10 October 2024
Registrations are now open for tours of Goulburn Valley Water’s Shepparton Wastewater Management Facility (WMF), as part of several National Water Week events scheduled for the 21- 25 October celebration of all things water.
The Daldy Road site is one of 26 GVW wastewater facilities and has become much more than a wastewater treatment facility – now home to several species of birds and wildlife, along with a thriving farm operation.
There will be two 45-minute free tours offered on Thursday 24 October, with GVW staff on hand to offer further explanation of the operation and answer questions.
An open invitation is extended to people interested in discovering more about the facility, which is also the site of regular tree planting activity and recycling programs to further enhance the GVW commitment to creating a circular economy.
GVW Managing Director Dr Steve Capewell said the Shepparton WMF tour was an opportunity for people to gain an insight into the expansive nature of the operation.
“Wastewater treatment is an important part of the seven step service cycle, starting with sourcing water and following the treatment process to delivery, usage, wastewater transport, treatment and recycling.
“There are a number of interesting facets to the WMF operation. The tour will feature several of those, including an explanation of the sewage treatment process, recycled water reuse and production of biosolids.
“There will also be a chance for people to hear more about our farm irrigation systems, tree plantation and solar panel operation,” Dr Capewell said.
Staff will provide an insight into the High Rate Anaerobic Lagoon (HRAL), which features a large synthetic rubber cover the size of the MCG– used to trap gases and odours.
The site treats about 6,500 megalitres of water each year through its 20 lagoons and is designed and sized to support an equivalent population of about 1.2 million people, to help support Shepparton’s extensive industrial operations.
The WMF is also a key component of GVW’s Strategy 2035 campaign, which includes a commitment to reach net zero emissions from its water and sewer operations.
Tours will commence at 4.30pm and 5.15pm, with registrations to be completed at www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/community/national-water-week. For more information contact waterweek@gvw.vic.gov.au