Upgraded wastewater treatment plants provide a reliable supply of recycled water.

Augmentation of existing treatment facilities rather than replacement, can frequently deliver an economical and timely means of achieving EPA compliance targets by the milestone date.

Direct potable or indirect potable reuse of water is still being hotly debated. In the meantime other reuse options such as dust suppression, industrial process water, irrigation, toilet flushing, car washing and the like are already supplying real benefits to communities across Australia who are now coming to terms with changing regulations and an uncertain water future.

A site specific approach to treating wastewater is required. The focus should be on providing an integrated solution that combines proven equipment with innovative processes. This is particularly important in situations where high quality effluent is required but where technological expertise and accessibility to resources are restricting factors. The appropriate selection and adaptability of the equipment is crucial in overcoming these limitations.

Site evaluation of existing equipment and analysis of the results currently being achieved are the starting points for devising a viable solution. Higher quality effluent requirements demand higher levels of operation and maintenance skills. Operators are increasingly being given greater responsibility for the effluent outcomes from their plants, therefore another key area of any upgrade must be a recognised course of training and ongoing mentoring of the operator/s.

It is often the case that an upgrade of existing equipment can prove to be the preferred solution, rather than a complete rebuild, particularly where there are major budget constraints. Site evaluation services prior to the equipment design stage as well as design, construction, installation, commissioning, operator training and mentoring for the complete plant should be considered in an upgrade solution.

An upgrade to a wastewater treatment plant can provide real benefits in the form of:

· Reliable supply of recycled water

· Supply of renewable resource

· Improved Workplace Health & Safety

· Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

· Odour reduction

· Reduction in plant operation expenses