The Western Treatment Plant (WTP) is synonymous with Melbourne’s west, but how much do you know about it?
The WTP is an unlikely treasure. It sustainably treats over half of Melbourne’s sewage (more than 182,500 million litres each year), turning it into water, nutrients and energy ready for reuse. The WTP is also a place of historic, environmental and cultural significance. Each day, all sorts of amazing things take place.
Melbourne Water Western Treatment Plant and Sewerage Transfer Manager Alanna Wright said the site is a very special place.
“Many people may not realise the plant not only provides low-cost sustainable sewage treatment, but it has a continually evolving resource recovery program to help us meet challenges like climate change and population growth,” Ms Wright said.
“We have an active program of producing recycled water, which is used for agricultural irrigation and for watering parks, sporting fields and gardens. We also re-use biosolids and capture biogas for electricity.
“A recent upgrade will increase the generation to more than 100% of WTP’s electricity needs, with the excess being exported to the grid. This reduces the plant’s greenhouse gas emissions by about 500,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.”
As the WTP grows, Melbourne Water will continue to actively nurture less energy intensive processes and more renewable energy opportunities.
The WTP also has a thriving ecosystem and is home to more than 300 species of birds and is recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
A new online community hub is now available for people to keep up to date with what’s happening at the site.
If you would like to join the Western Treatment Plant Online Community Hub to be the first to know about the latest news and upcoming events, go to www.yoursay.melbournewater.com.au/wtp and click on the word ‘follow’.
And remember to do your bit to help the environment and avoid sewerage system blockages – only flush the 3 P’s – poo, pee and (toilet) paper. Items like disposable nappies, wipes, sanitary products and, more recently, face masks should go in the bin, not down the bowl.
In Melbourne, a safe, clean and healthy environment is essential to our way of life today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
If you have a question about the WTP, contact the Melbourne Water Customer Service Centre on 131 722 or email enquiry@melbournewater.com.au
