Treated effluent
Using treated effluent from the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre is approved for some business uses.
Users of treated effluent must understand and minimise public health risks associated with its use and are required, by the Public Health Act 1997, to ensure insanitary conditions are not created.
Public health risks
Treated effluent has the potential to contain organisms that may pose a risk to public health. Cryptosporidium and Giardia cysts, for example, may not be completely removed by chlorination.
Infection by either of these organisms may produce symptoms such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and fever.
Uses for treated effluent
Treated effluent may be used for a variety of purposes, in areas where public access can be restricted.
Such activities include:
- construction sites – for example concrete batching, dust suppression and vehicle wash down
- irrigation of access controlled public sites
- golf courses for example – irrigation, water hazards
- irrigation of commercial turf
- drip irrigation of non-food crops
- water features with disinfection
- commercial landscaping
Treated effluent should not be used:
- at domestic properties without additional treatment
- for irrigation of foods that may be consumed uncooked
- in swimming pools and spa water
- in water features without disinfection
- for any application at childcare and aged care facilities.
Treated effluent must not be used for drinking purposes or direct human contact.
Storage of treated effluent
It is not recommended to store treated effluent for long periods because of high nutrient levels, potential for growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as Legionella and odour formation.
If the treated effluent is to be stored it should be chlorinated to maintain a minimum of 1.0 mg/litre free chlorine.
Signage must be provided stating it is not potable water in accordance with Australian Standard 1319 – 1994, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment.
Transportation of treated effluent
Transportation of treated effluent should be in appropriate water carting vehicles that are labelled accordingly. Treated effluent should not be transported in potable water containers.
Minimising health risks
When using treated effluent, health risks can be minimised by:
- not producing aerosols when distributing the effluent
- not allowing the effluent to pool
- maintaining a free chlorine level of 1.0 mg/litre in water features
- appropriate signage placed where human contact may occur in accordance with Australian Standard 1319 – 1994, Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment
- not irrigating food plants that are consumed uncooked
- ensuring that the effluent does not leave the site.
More information
For further information or advice regarding use of treated effluent contact: