Recycling wastewater combats water restrictions

New developments in regional and remote areas are utilising wastewater

treatment systems to combat water
restrictions and meet environmental
guidelines. Local council regulations are
increasingly stipulating the use of such
systems for sewage and greywater for
developments outside of common effluent
schemes. The Australian Government has
also launched a $200 million funding
program to encourage industry to
implement water recycling initiatives.
Today we look at reclaiming and reusing
wastewater and the role safe
environmental cleaning products play in
this process.
Parts of Western Australia experienced their driest winter on record in 2010
and ongoing water restrictions have highlighted the need for water
conservation.
Despite floods and cyclones hammering Australias east coast in recent
months permanent water restrictions also remain in place in Eastern states.
As the driest continent on Earth, Australias water resources and recycling
initiatives have been high on the political agenda. The Federal Government
unveiled a $200 million initiative in 2009 to fund stormwater harvesting and
re-use projects. The funding was part of its $12.9 billion Water for the Future
package.
Wastewater treatment systems offer solutions for commercial operations
unable to tap into common effluent schemes or wanting to recycle water to
irrigate lawns and gardens. They are being increasingly used by
accommodation venues, function centres, mining camps, schools, factories
and wineries, allowing operators to reclaim wastewater.
Wastewater treatment systems employ physical, biological and chemical
processes to recycle rainwater, stormwater, greywater, blackwater
(containing sewerage), groundwater and industrial water for irrigation of
lawns and gardens as stipulated by local government.
New technologies are being developed to test the quality of treated
greywater in light of the growing use of wastewater treatment systems. The
CSIRO has been working to develop a national standard for treated
greywater. This aims to iron out inconsistencies from separate state and
territory legislation covering greywater collection, treatment and use. CSIRO
Land and Water scientist Melissa Toifl said the protocol could be used to
establish a national greywater treatment testing regime. With this protocol
we are anticipating a national approach in the way greywater treatment
technologies are tested and regulated (which could result in) increasing
consumer adoption rates of greywater technologies.
Combined septic and greywater treatment systems often employ aerobic
treatment processes and require a delicate balance of bacterial flora. This can
be upset by common cleaning chemicals. The use of environmental cleaning
products is an important consideration for users of wastewater treatment
systems.
Perth-based Envirosafe Solutions provides eco-friendly industrial liquids to
industry and government sectors. Its products are low-toxic and
biodegradable and include Extreme Green Solvent-Free Degreaser,
Sanitiser/Mould Rid, Hard Water Laundry Liquid, dishwashing liquid,
anti-bacterial hand wash, dishwasher powder, disinfectant, dishwasher rinse
aid, laundry powder and fabric conditioner.
Envirosafe Solutions Extreme Green Waste and Odour Treatment can be
used in septic systems, porta-loos, animal enclosures and food preparation
areas to eliminate odours and reduce sludge build-up. The Envirosafe
Solutions range of laundry products have been specially designed for use in
remote locations and are completely safe for hardwater and septic systems
while delivering powerful results.
Australias scarce water resources offer a challenge for government and
industry and wastewater recycling has increasingly been viewed as a partial
solution to water restrictions. Envirosafe Solutions commitment to providing
eco-friendly industrial liquids supports water recycling initiatives.
This article has been taken
from :http://www.envirosafesolutions.com.au/articles/recycling-wastewater-
combats-water-restrictions/