Smart design means less waste and better water reuse
Drought is an inevitable part of Australian life—so, right from the get go, drought-proofing was a key focus for Googong, a new inland residential community south west of Queanbeyan, New South Wales. Googong was master planned from the ground up as a water resilient town, and in 25 years, the population is expected to be around 20,000 people in approximately 6,000 dwellings.
So, what was the goal? A water-resilient town with an integrated water cycle (IWC) concept that would reduce potable water consumption by up to 60%. Our job was to plan, design, and deliver the IWC concept with a state-of-the-art water recycling plant at its heart. In our plan, recycled water and rainwater are used for irrigation, toilets, gardens, and firefighting—reducing the demand on potable supplies. Additionally, the water recycling plant has a sludge treatment system that produces biosolids for reuse.
With two out of four stages of the IWC complete, Googong can support a population of 4,700 (the first of whom moved in around 2014). Stage three augmentations will up the population support to 9,400, and—with some preliminary flow monitoring analyses—we’ve seen that Googong is well on its way to supporting all 20,000 potential residents on the same amount of water that would usually support 9,000.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Awards
- 2018 Australian Water Association NSW Water Awards, Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
Chiew Wong, Practice Leader, Water Reuse, Australia & New Zealand
My work has variety, but the one thing every project has in common is the quality of solutions we deliver to our clients.
Glen Hadiardja, Group Leader, Treatment
My work creates tangible benefits for communities and water is the common thread which allows me to connect with people.
Paul Kersey, Business Centre Operating Lead
It gives me a real sense of purpose to help clients plan and implement their water projects for new communities or to enhance existing ones.
Maz Mahzari, Group Leader, Dams and Hydropower
I wake up every day with motivation to help others experience a better quality of life. Through my work I help create healthier societies.
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