This project was funded by the Australian Government ($359,091). Australian Government funding was provided through the National Water Grid Fund.
The assessment was undertaken to determine the common factors that contribute to the feasibility of wastewater reuse for agriculture, non-food crops and urban landscaping.
Project overview
This project identified potential locations and opportunities to reuse wastewater for agricultural purposes in Australia. The research was undertaken by GHD.
This project involved:
- A desktop review of existing and conceptual wastewater reuse schemes for agriculture across Australia.
- An assessment to determine common factors that contribute to successful wastewater reuse schemes. As well as unsuccessful wastewater reuse proposals.
- A spatial analysis using a GHD-unique process known as Infrastructure Development Geospatial Options (InDeGO) to find potential wastewater reuse site locations.
The assessment found economic viability and legislative ease are the primary factors for viable water reuse schemes.
The main reasons for unsuccessful proposals were:
- insufficient wastewater supply
- a lack of appropriate locations.
The InDeGO process analysed the relative importance of many factors (such as existing infrastructure). It also looked at how they affect wastewater reuse potential.
The spatial analysis used national data layers, checked across all states and territories.
They developed a national map. It highlighted locations where the feasibility for wastewater reuse schemes is more favourable.
The report includes areas for each state and territory. Each has a summary which includes the most suitable areas for further research.
Key project benefits
Learn more
- Find out about our Science Program.
- Read the National Review of Wastewater Reuse Opportunities for Agriculture report (PDF 77 MB) | (DOCX 11 MB).