Environmental acclaim for Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant

The Water Grid’s Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant has won the 2011 International Water Reuse Project of the Year award.

 

The Plant, as part of the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme, produces pure water from used water. The scheme is available to supplement Brisbane’s main natural water source, Wivenhoe Dam, if needed.

 

Water Grid spokesperson Barry Dennien said the award recognised facilities whose significance and contributions have advanced the water reuse industry internationally.

 

“The Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant’s innovative technology and processes saw it receive this accolade over 47 other nominations from around the world,” said Mr Dennien.

 

“This is an achievement we are incredibly proud of, and once again illustrates the high-standards of the assets that make up our connected Water Grid.”

 

The Luggage Point Advanced Water Treatment Plant, owned and operated by Seqwater, has supplied more than 10,150 megalitres of purified recycled water to industrial customers, as part of the SEQ Water Grid. This is water that would otherwise come from our drinking water supplies.

 

Seqwater spokesperson Cedric Robillot said the Plant has the ability to provide up to 70 megalitres per day of pure water.

 

“In addition to this primary function the Plant also provides considerable environmental benefits reflecting extensive testing and research undertaken during construction by the Luggage Point Alliance, in partnership with joint venture partner CH2M HILL,” he said.

 

”The Plant is significantly reducing the level of nutrients entering the Brisbane River by reclaiming treated wastewater that would otherwise be discharged directly into the River and Moreton Bay.”

 

The process at the Plant involves nutrients and micro-contaminants being extracted as the water passes through a flocculation and settling step followed by a system of micro-filters, reverse osmosis membranes and UV-advanced oxidation reactors.

 

“Even though South East Queensland currently has a very strong water security position, our ability to reclaim and purify water is our insurance policy against future droughts,” said Mr Robillot.

 

The Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme has now been awarded 18 international, national and state accolades including winning the 2010 Superior Achievement Award from the International Water Association, the water industry’s highest accolade.

 

The 2011 International Water Reuse Project of the Year award will be presented by the International WaterReuse Association in Phoenix, Arizona, on 19 September 2011.