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On-site wastewater technologies in Australia
1Remote Area Developments Group, Environmental Technology Centre, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia. ho@central.murdoch.edu.au
Summary
Domestic wastewater reuse in Australia, though not permitted, offers significant water resource sustainability benefits. Research explores six reuse options for revegetation and food production, with case studies in remote Aboriginal communities.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Resource Management
- Public Health
Background:
- Domestic wastewater reuse is widely supported in Australia despite current prohibitions.
- Improvisation by 20% of households highlights demand and potential benefits.
- Integration with outdoor living environments in arid lands offers substantial advantages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe six researched options for domestic wastewater reuse.
- To present case studies of successful revegetation and food production using wastewater.
- To evaluate new Australian design standards and guidelines for greywater reuse.
Main Methods:
- Research and development by the Remote Area Developments Group (RADG).
- Case study analysis of household and community-scale applications.
- Evaluation of pollution control, public health, and maintenance requirements.
Main Results:
- Six wastewater reuse options are detailed, with successful applications in revegetation and food production.
- Prototype systems installed in remote Aboriginal communities for windbreaks and orchards.
- Evaluation of new Australian design standards and draft guidelines for domestic greywater reuse.
Conclusions:
- Coupling dry composting toilets with domestic greywater reuse is recommended.
- The 'wet composting' system is presented as an alternative for flushing toilets.
- A vision for widespread household and community-scale on-site wastewater application is presented.