Treated sewage water could be used to fight drought, bushfires by Hornsby Council
With bushfires raging north of Sydney, this innovative council is investigating whether recycled sewage water could be a drought busting answer for fire fighting.
Hornsby
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Treated sewage could soon be used to battle drought and bushfires in Hornsby Shire, with councillors voting to explore the idea along with other water-saving initiatives.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting a unanimous vote was passed to host a workshop early next year to delve into options for water recycling.
One option put forward is the use of water from local sewage treatment plants at local parks and to fighting fires.
Liberal Cr Nathan Tilbury said he wanted to consider “greater use of recycled water”.
“This includes treated water from sewage treatment plants for irrigation of parks, sports fields and vegetation such as the council’s program to plant 25,000 trees,” Cr Tilbury said.
“Like most of NSW, the Hornsby Shire is amid drought conditions, which are predicted to stay for many months yet and recently further water restrictions were implemented across the state.
“Along with residents, Hornsby Shire Council must consider new and innovative ways we can access and use water within our day to day operations.”
He said the water from local sewage treatment plants currently flows into the Berowra Creek.
“In my opinion this is such a wasted opportunity. Potentially, with some infrastructure investment, this treated water could even be used for fighting fires.
“This is important, especially in current conditions.”
Greens Cr Joe Nicita said he was intrigued by the idea of using treated sewage water to fight fires.
“I’d be curious to see what council staff return to us and to see how viable that idea is,” Cr Nicita said.
“With the fire season we’ve got on our hands we could use it. We’re also going through a period of drought in this state so the more recycled water, the better for everyone.
“What I’m hoping to see from this motion is more sustainability for our parks and waterways. We’ve got real potential up north with our waterways.”
He said council staff had started crunching the numbers.
“There’s likely to be costs associated with it but I’m confident the council will be able to find a viable and cost effective way to do this for our community,” Cr Nicita said.
The council has a partnership with Sydney Water, which has at least two wastewater treatment plants in the region. Treated sewage water is discharged into Calna Creek, Berowra Creek and Waitara Creek. One plant is located at Hornsby Heights and the other at West Hornsby.