Recycled water network expansion project

• Project typeWater
• Project value$22.3 million
• Project scheduleStage 1: Carrara recycled water supply zone mid-2023 to 2024

We are upgrading and expanding our recycled water network. This will help to maintain and enhance green spaces. The expansion will support and develop local industry, underpinning the future of the region.

This citywide expansion of the recycled water network provides a climate-resilient, affordable and fit-for-purpose recycled water supply.

The project is divided into numerous network supply area will be delivered stages across the city.

Opportunities and benefits to the community

The project will provide Class A recycled water for customers identified in the current Queensland Health Guideline for low-exposure recycled water schemes to use as:

• sporting field irrigation
• golf course irrigation
• open-space irrigation
• streetscape irrigation
• cooling towers and industrial use (may need further on-lot treatment)
• selected agricultural use.

Benefits:

• provide a climate-resilient, affordable, reliable and fit-for-purpose non-potable water supply
• enhance liveability by greening the city's golf courses, sporting facilities, schools, parks and gardens
• support and grow local industry, such as hospitals (HVAC), shopping centres (HVAC), industry, nurseries and garden centres, and commercial properties
• facilitate agricultural opportunities.

Stage 1 Carrara recycled water supply zone

Stage 1 of the project has been launched and connections are underway to service non-residential customers. Connecting customers to the network is expected to continue into 2024 and will:

• conserve approximately half a million litres of drinking water per day by using recycled water for irrigation
• supply schools, golf courses, the Heritage Bank Stadium, body corporates and the Gold Coast Sports Precinct
• reduce demand on our drinking water system.

We have constructed approximately 11 kilometres of pipelines in the Stage 1 network. We have also constructed a recycled water treatment plant within the Merrimac Sewage Treatment Plant site. When all Stage 1 customers are connected to stage 1, there will be a total of 73 commercial customers using recycled water throughout the city.

Updates on future stages will be provided as the project progresses.