RECYCLED WATER USE IN THE AGRICULTURAL ... - Hunter Water

fact sheetRECYCLED WATERUSE IN THEAGRICULTURALSECTORTHE AGRICULTRAL INDUSTRYREPRESENTS THE GREATESTCONSUMER OF RECYCLEDWATER IN AUSTRALIARECYCLED WATER HAS MANYBENEFITS HOWEVER CERTAINPRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKENTO PROTECT ENVIRONMENTALAND HUMAN HEALTH.WHAT IS RECYCLED WATER?Recycled water is wastewater that hasbeen treated such that it is suitablefor specific agricultural, industrial orresidential applications.HOW CAN RECYCLED WATER BEUSED IN AGRICULTURE?Depending on the level of treatment theuses of recycled water in the agriculturalindustry are almost limitless, however it istypically used for pasture, crop or fodderirrigation and shed or stockyard wash down.WHY USE RECYCLED WATER?The use of recycled water has a numberof benefits including:• Conserving drinking water supplies• Easing stress on natural waterbodies usually used for extractingirrigation water• Recycled Water contains valuablenutrients reducing fertiliserrequirements.• Reduces discharge to theenvironmentIS RECYCLED WATER SAFE TO USE?Yes, as long as it is used as intended itis safe for a wide range of applications.Recycled water is subject to an array ofquality testing to ensure that it is fit for use.HOW COMMON IS RECYCLEDWATER USE?Recycled Water is widely used acrossAustralia as well as on an internationallevel. Approximately 425GL (1GL =1,000,000,000L) of recycled water is usedacross Australia with around 66% (280GL)used by the agricultural industry, primarilyin the dairy farming, pasture irrigation andlivestock sectors.WHAT ARE THE POTENTIALHAZARDS FOR LIVESTOCK?Due to the nature of the source waterused in the recycling process, there isthe potential for pathogenic organisms toexist in recycled water. A majority of theseorganisms present little to no risk howeversome parasites and bacteria have thepotential to severely affect the health oflivestock, these include:• Taenia saginata (responsible forbeef measles);• Taenia solium (affects pigs whichmay result in severe neurologicaldisease within humans ifundercooked meat is consumed);and• Mycobacterium paratuberculosis(responsible for Johne’s disease*)*It should be noted that Johne’s disease is notpresent in the Hunter region, however allDepartment of Primary industries (DPI) requirementsshould be followed to prevent its establishment.Fact sheet . SO . 001 . jan10www.hunterwater.com.au

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD ITAKE WHEN USING RECYCLEDWATER?Depending on the level of treatmentthat recycled water receives, the onsiterequirements may vary from site tosite, and Hunter Water will advise youof any specific requirements that maybe necessary. However some generalprecautions that will greatly reduce therisk to livestock, public health and theenvironment are listed below:• Due to the severity of T.solium it isprohibited to use recycled waterfor fodder or drinking water for pigs;• Grazing animals should beexcluded from pasture until dryafter irrigation;• Fodder should be dried or ensiled;• Recycled water should not beused for livestock drinking water,unless advised that it is acceptableby Hunter Water;• Recycled water is not to be usedfor washing down milking machinery;• Irrigation should match croprequirements - pooling should notoccur;• Recycled water contains valuablenutrients, this should be taken intoaccount before fertilising;• Public access should be restrictedto fields while they are being irrigated;• Buffer zones should be in place topublic access points and spray driftshould be minimised;• While working with or aroundrecycled water it is recommendedthat gloves be worn, cuts andabrasions should be covered andhands should be washed beforeeating, drinking or smoking;• All requirements put in place byDPI surrounding recycled wateruse should be followed; and• No Recycled water producedby Hunter Water is suitable forhuman consumptionCAN I USE RECYCLED FORGROWING CROPS INTENDED FORHUMAN CONSUMPTION?Yes, however recycled water is treatedto be fit for purpose and as such is notalways suitable for all applications.This is an important consideration whengrowing crops for human consumption, aswater that is suitable for heavily processedcrops such as wine grapes or cereals maynot be suitable for growing salad crops.It is important Hunter Water is consultedbefore using recycled water to irrigatefood crops, to ensure that it has beentreated to a sufficient level and that theappropriate onsite controls are in place.WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFO ONRECYCLED WATER?Please feel free to contactHunter Water directlythrough via its customerservice centre on 1300 657657 or by email at enquiries@hunterwater.com.au.The Australian Guidelinesfor Water Recycling canbe viewed at the NationalWater Quality ManagementStrategy website.For general information onrecycled water and its useplease refer to:www.recycledwater.com.auNSW Department ofHealth and Department ofEnvironment, Climate Changeand WaterFact sheet . SO . 001 . jan10www.hunterwater.com.au