Irrigating sporting fields with recycled water

Recycled water is water that has been used before in homes and businesses. It is then treated to a high standard, 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.

Recycled water is treated to a high standard to comply with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling and to meet the requirements of NSW Health.

Different grades of recycled water are suitable for different purposes. The recycled water that would be supplied to the fields at Edgeworth and Cameron Park will be suitable for ‘municipal use’. This means the water is suitable for irrigation, dust suppression and construction.

Recycled water is treated to the level required to remove bacteria and viruses.

If you would like more information on the safety of recycled water please contact us, or see the guidelines for recycled water at:

• waterquality.gov.au/guidelines/recycled-water
• waterquality.gov.au/media/87

The recycled water will be applied using a pop-up irrigation system. The water will reach the fields by underground pipes. This will be an extension of the pipes which already supply recycled water to the golf course.

Irrigation of the fields will generally occur at night. This reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation, especially in hot weather. It is also when the fields are not in use.

The new pop-up irrigation system will be designed and adjusted specifically for the Edgeworth sports fields and Pasterfield Sports Complex. It’s unlikely that water will run off or be sprayed outside the fields.

Everyone using the irrigation system will be given training in its operation. The system will also be regularly checked, with a full audit happening every year.

Recycled water is treated to a high standard. It is important, however, not to come into direct contact with recycled water (for example, it must not be used for washing hands, etc).

• All taps, pipes and fittings will be colour-coded purple to be easily recognised.
• Taps and valve-boxes will need to be opened with a key.
• Taps, fittings and tanks will have “Do Not Drink” signs.
• Everyone with access to the recycled water irrigation system will be given training.
• Fixed signage will be provided to ensure users of the ground are aware of recycled water irrigation. Signage will be checked regularly to ensure it remains in place.
• Council will work with sporting organisations to ensure their members understand recycled water is being used.

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, having green grass and flourishing public gardens and greenspace is important for community wellbeing.

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.

There will be no changes to how the fields are used by sporting organisations and the community.

The recycled water is high-quality and does not require ‘withholding times’. This means the fields can be used as normal without restricting when people use the fields.

Using recycled water is not expected to affect the fields and soil testing will occur regularly. Recycled water has been used at Edgeworth Golf Club for about 10 years.