New water recycling infrastructure in Horsham is set to help parks and gardens stay green and support Victoria’s world class agricultural research.
Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the completion of the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project including new water recycling infrastructure at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant providing more recycled water to the region.
“This sustainable water project will ensure our important local parks and fields will continue to stay green and thrive year-round without using our precious drinking water,” said Minister Tierney.
“Sustainable water supply at the Horsham SmartFarm means our researchers can expand their field crop trials and continue to deliver practical research that makes a difference for Victorian growers,” said Minister Spence.
The Ministers said researchers at the Horsham SmartFarm will now have access to better quality water for research to irrigate their crops thanks to the installation of a reverse osmosis plant.
The project included construction of a new network of pipes through the city of Horsham, with connections to green spaces such as parks, ovals, the cemetery and the racecourse, providing up to 126 megalitres of recycled water for irrigation per year, reducing the need to use valuable drinking water.
More recycled water allows Agriculture Victoria researchers to conduct field experiments to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of crop production. Purified wastewater will be used to irrigate more than 50 hectares of grain, oilseed and legume crops.
Using more diverse sources of water, such as recycled water, ensures a water supply for open spaces during dry spells, delivers environmental and economic benefits, and bolsters the regions’ long-term water security.
The two projects were jointly funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments.
