Wastewater plan for Bunbury parks

Recycled water from Dalyellup's wastewater treatment plant could be used to maintain nearly one million square metres of sporting grounds in Bunbury.

If funding can be obtained for the project, recycled water would be pumped to Bunbury and used on Hay Park, Hands Oval, Forrest Park and Des Ugle Park.

The four public areas together require 500,000kl a year.

Early discussions on the project have been held by the Water Corporation and Bunbury City Council.

Council chief executive Andrew Brien said he considered the project "viable" and was working toward securing funding.

"This project is considered viable if capital funding can be obtained," he said.

"The city will continue to work towards securing the funding for the project.

"While there is a financial benefit in the longer term, the environmental aspects are also significant drivers for this project."

The cost of the project is not yet known but it would require State and Federal government funding.

Mr Brien said the use of recycled water would have wide-reaching benefits.

"Operation costs at sporting venues and recreational parks will reduce," he said.

"And reduced discharge of wastewater into Geographe Bay will generate savings to the Water Corporation and, in theory, to the taxpayers of Western Australia.

"The project has the potential to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits for the Greater Bunbury region and it will create employment during the project delivery and subsequent operation."

Mr Brien said it would also lessen dependency on inefficient bores, decrease costs for fertiliser and electricity, allow groundwater resources to be used elsewhere and increase the water supply's sustainability.

He also flagged the possibility of expanding the scheme into other parts of Greater Bunbury.

Water Corporation South West regional manager John Janssen said almost four billion litres of water was already recycled throughout the South West each year.

"Across the State, Water Corporation provides free recycled water from its wastewater treatment plants for recycling schemes that benefit the community," Mr Janssen said.

"This would be the case if the City of Bunbury went forward with its use of recycled wastewater for public open space irrigation."

Mr Janssen said the council would need to secure an agreement with the Water Corporation regarding volumes and intended use of the treated wastewater.

He also said the council would be responsible for installing the necessary infrastructure.