Cronulla-Woolooware Wastewater Recycling Project

Work has recently been completed on this project and the scheme is scheduled to supply recycled wastewater to irrigate ovals and recreation areas in the eastern part of the Shire from August 2011. The users of the recycled water include Woolooware High School, Toyota Stadium - home of the Cronulla Sharks, Captain Cook and Solander playing fields, Cronulla and Wooloware golf course and Toyota Australia's commercial facility.

The project, which was jointly funded by the council, the NSW Government's climate change fund, and private users, will replace the use of 350 megalitres of domestic water used each year by the council and surrounding large private property owners.

The wastewater reuse scheme is the only one of its type built and operated by a local council inside Sydney Water's operating area and will set benchmarks for future recycled water projects in the Sutherland Shire.

Tap water is expensive and usage can be impacted by drought and water restrictions. Using recycled water will provide an exemption from water restrictions and is also a cheaper alternative supply, as well as being an environmentally responsible and sustainable solution.

Illustration of Cronulla-Woolooware Watewater Reuse Scheme

Water tanks at the golf course

Plumbing for waterwater distribution

Wastewater holding tank

Ovals being watered with recycled wastewater

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The Process

The treatment plant will take the tertiary treated effluent from the Sydney Water Cronulla Waste Water Treatment Plant, and apply additional disinfection treatments and remove phosphorus before it is delivered to nearby playing fields, gardens and golf courses for irrigation.

The quality of the treated recycled water will be maintained according to statutory standards and subjected to ongoing monitoring, with the results reported publicly. The system will not be accessible to the general public and will be a completely separate plumbing system, isolated from drinking water.