To address insufficient public open space due to population growth, Mandurah utilized Managed Aquifer Recharge with treated wastewater, providing sustainable irrigation at lower costs for recreational areas.
Scale: Precinct
Development Type: Public open space
Local Government: City of Mandurah
WSUD Solution: Blackwater reuse (wastewater reuse), Managed aquifer recharge
The City of Mandurah faced a challenge of insufficient public open space (POS) due to rapid population growth. With no available groundwater, alternative water sources were explored for irrigation at a new POS site. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) using treated wastewater from the nearby Caddadup Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) emerged as a sustainable option. MAR involved recharging the groundwater through infiltration basins at the WWTP site and extracting water through five bores, with a low-flow rate into holding tanks.
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation issued a groundwater license for this scheme. St. Damien’s Catholic School reported an 80% reduction in irrigation costs using this fit-for-purpose water. Annual inflow into the WWTP provided sufficient water for the MAR scheme. The surplus water was supplied to nearby primary schools at cost. MAR enabled the creation of a new irrigated POS area, providing recreational space for the growing population at a lower cost compared to other alternatives.
The scheme exemplifies sustainable water management, offering a cost-effective solution for irrigation needs in Mandurah’s expanding urban landscape.
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Supporting community wellbeing and healthy environments within resilient and sustainable places throughout Western Australia.
