Irrigating sporting fields with recycled water
Hunter Water is continuing to make recycled water available to irrigate parks, gardens, sporting fields and many other public spaces.
We are planning to use recycled water to irrigate:
- The sporting fields on Park Street, Edgeworth
- Pasterfield Sports Complex on Horizon Avenue, Cameron Park
The recycled water will come from Edgeworth treatment plant, which has been supplying recycled water to Waratah Golf Course for about ten years. The Edgeworth treatment plant will be upgraded over coming months in preparation for providing more recycled water in the future.
About recycled water
Recycled water is water that has been used before in homes and businesses. It is then treated to a high standard, meeting the requirements of NSW Health, ready to be used again for many different purposes.
Hunter Water already has 16 recycled water schemes providing recycled water for irrigation, agriculture and industry.
In the Hunter region more than 1,000 homes already have recycled water available for toilet flushing, outdoor use and for machine-washing clothes.
Community benefits
Using recycled water will help ensure playing fields are watered and available to be used all year round, even in the event of a future drought. During a drought, water restrictions would mean that drinking water may not be available to irrigate sporting fields.
Being able to play sport, have green grass on sporting fields, have green gardens and other public spaces is important for the wellbeing of our community.
Project timeline
- Early 2022 to mid-2023: Designing the most appropriate path for the pipeline to run from Edgeworth Treatment Works to the sporting fields, while working with Lake Macquarie City Council and the users of the sporting fields to understand their needs
- Late 2023: Construct new irrigation system and pipework
- Mid-late 2024: Begin using recycled water