Water recycling for the environment
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As the climate continues to dry, it is likely that wetlands, lakes and groundwater levels will also reduce which may result in significant ecological impacts.
Recycled water could be used to augment river and stream flows, increase water supply for degrading wetlands and increase groundwater and lake levels.
The Town of Cambridge are currently looking at an opportunity to use recycled water from the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant to infiltrate into the groundwater on the western side of Perry Lakes to create a "hydraulic dam" which will allow the levels in the lakes to be maintained year round.
Perry Lakes was one of Perth's iconic wetlands, although due to a drying climate and increased abstraction from local groundwater bores, the water levels in the lakes have been dropping since the 1960s. The lakes are now mostly dry and groundwater has to be pumped into small areas of open water.
The lakes are of increasing value to wildlife requiring fresh open water on account of the wetlands on the swan coastal plain reducing. By increasing the water supply to Perry Lakes, it will also benefit social use of the area.
Modelling by CSIRO indicated that the infiltrated recycled water will create a groundwater mound, causing natural groundwater to 'bank up' and fill the lakes as well as raising regional groundwater levels. Groundwater modelling showed the recycled water mound would flow towards the ocean.
This innovative project will demonstrate the positive environmental outcome for this ecosystem.
For more information, please email water.recycling@watercorporation.com.au
