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01.24.12

Sewer Mining - Weird Term but an Idea That Makes Sense

The Pennant Hills Golf Club in Sydney, Australia. Photo credit: Permeate Partners

In the area around Sydney, Australia, several private organizations have found a new dependable source of water for irrigation and other non-potable uses - the sewer. The idea is to tap into sewer lines, treat the water to make it suitable for irrigation, and thereby save drinking water for - drinking.  Four such projects have already been completed and eight more are planned.

As explained in a National Geographic article:

“When well planned and designed, sewer mining can yield a variety of benefits.  It can relieve overtaxed wastewater systems, trim water and wastewater infrastructure costs, reduce energy and chemical use, and save drinking water for activities that really need drinking-quality water. These water-savings, in turn, can help keep more water in rivers, lakes and streams – which is especially crucial during droughts and summer months, when river flows are low and water demands are high.”

More info on this program.