Innovation Hub to nurture new research ideas in recycled wastewater

• New Innovation Hub to explore developing technologies to recycle and sustainably treat wastewater

• Exploring new water technologies is important for WA as climate change continues to impact water sources

• State Government calls for industry and technology providers to put forward proposals

Water Minister Dave Kelly today announced a new dedicated water innovation hub on the doorstep of the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant to bring together industry, universities and research partners.

The Innovation Hub will form part of a wider Water Research and Innovation Precinct located within the buffer zone of the wastewater treatment plant, to encourage the development of new smart technologies to treat and recycle wastewater.

The State Government, through the Water Corporation, has developed the hub to test collaboratively with partners the latest technologies around wastewater recycling, before being developed further if proven successful.

The south-west of Western Australia is one of the places on the planet most impacted by climate change. As a result, almost half of Perth's water is now manufactured through seawater desalination and groundwater replenishment (highly treated wastewater which is then injected into groundwater aquifers for later use as a drinking water source).

The site next to the Subiaco Wastewater Treatment Plant was selected to have close access to a wastewater resource, and to make better use of the land around the plant.

Each year, 164 billion litres of wastewater is collected from homes and businesses and safely treated by the Water Corporation at wastewater treatment plants across Western Australia.

The launch coincides with National Water Week which is held each year to encourage the community to think about how we use water, with this year's theme being 'Water for me, Water for All'.

For more information or to put forward a proposal, visit the Water Corporation's website at http://www.watercorporation.com.au/innovationprecinct

Comments attributed to Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"This new water innovation hub is an exciting opportunity for the Water Corporation to partner with industry and researchers to help deliver new and smarter technologies for the sustainable treatment of wastewater.

"Making the most of our treated wastewater through recycling is vitally important as we continue to feel the impact of climate change.

"Given wastewater is 99.97 per cent water, as it mostly comes from showers, baths and sinks, the potential to develop more recycling options for this resource are just beginning to be explored as we work towards a more sustainable future.

"Western Australia is already an innovator in this space. We are the first State in Australia to use treated wastewater to recharge groundwater aquifers for future drinking water needs.

"I encourage research organisations and industry to bring their ideas to the Water Corporation through the Innovation Hub website and be part of this exciting new collaboration."