lI1.l!.4J!LIII.I!.4~"'J!l.J!l.J!I."'.III..III.1II,.

Stra tegy

November 2000

Agriculture and Resource Management Council Australian and New Zealand Environment and
ofAustralia and New Zealand Conservation Council

National Health and Medical

Research Council
Copies of this publication and information on the Strategy may be obtained from:

Australian Water Association

PO Box 388
ARTARMON NSW 2064
Telephone (02) 9413 1288
Facsimile (02) 9413 1047

Commonwealth Government bookshops in the States and Territories

AFFA Shopfront
Edmund Barton Building
BARTON ACT 2601
Telephone TOLL FREE 1800020157
Web Address http://www.affa.gov.au/nwqms

ANZECC Secretariat
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone (02) 6274 1428
Facsimile (02) 6274 1858

For further information, contact:

The Secretary
Agriculture and Resource Management Council
of Australia and New Zealand
Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry _. Australia
GPO Box 858
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone (02) 6272 5216
Facsimile (02) 6272 4772

or

The Secretary
Australian and New Zealand Environment
and Conservation Council
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone (02) 6274 1428
Facsimile (02) 6274 1858

or

The Secretary
National Health Advisory Committee
Office of the NHMRC
PO BOX 9848
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Telephone (02) 6289 1555

© Commonwealth of Australia

ISBN 0 642 24467 7

ISSN 1038 7072

Printed on recycled paper.

Printed in Australia for the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, the
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the National Health and Medical Research
Council.

ii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY V

1. INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Purpose of document 1
1.2 Scope 1
1.3 Background 2
1.4 The case for water reclamation 2
1.5 Existing uses 3

2. PRINCIPLES 4

2.1 Public consultation 4

2.2 Legal requirements 4
2.3 Contractual Arrangements and Provisions 5

3. ESSENTIAL CONSIDERATIONS 6

3.1 Water quality 6

3.1.1 Microbiological 6
3.1.2 Chemical 9

3.2 Linkage with other Guidelines 10

3.3 Treatment 11
3.3.1 Secondary treatment 12
3.3.2 Pathogen reduction 12
3.3.3 Tertiary treatment 13
3.3.4 Level of treatment 14
3.3.5 System reliability 15
3.4 Safeguards and controls 16
3.4.1 Effluent disposal 16
3.4.2 Plumbing 16
3.4.3 Access 17
3.4.4 Spray irrigation 17
3.4.5 Crop restrictions 17

3.5 Monitoring and Reporting 17

3.5.1 Statistical treatment of data 18

iii
 SPECIFIC RECLAIMED WATER APPLICATIONS 20
4.1 Direct potable 20
4.2 Indirect potable 20
4.3 Urban non-potable residential 21
4.4 Urban non potable municipal 21
4.5 Agricultural Food Production 21
4.6 Agricultural Non Food Crops 22
4.7 Aquaculture 22
4.8 Recreational 22
4.9 Environment 23
4.10 Industry 23

4.11 Aquifer Storage and Recovery 23

5. SCHEMES 32
5.1 General 33
5.2 Planning issues 32

5.3 Water Quality 35

5.4 Operational issues 36

APPENDIX NATIONAL WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: 39

6. REFERENCES 40

BIBLIOGRAPHY 43

8. GLOSSARY OF TERMS 46

FIGURE 1: DIAGRAMMATIC STRUCTURE OF THE GUIDELINES FOR SEWERAGE

S~TEMS 1

TABLE 1: GUIDELINE VALUES FOR THERMOTOLERANT COLIFORMS 8

TABLE 2: PROCESS TRAINS SUITABLE FOR PARTICULAR APPLICATIONS 16
TABLE 3: GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF RECLAIMED WATER 24
TABLE 4: GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR SALINITY OF IRRIGATION WATER 36

iv
Introduction

The Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Reclaimed Water is one of a suite of documents
comprising the National Water Quality Management Strategy. These Guidelines provide
advice on reclaimed water quality, level of treatment, safeguards and controls and monitoring.

Reclaimed water is a valuable resource and these guidelines have been prepared to foster the
use of reclaimed water in a way that provides safeguards for public health as well as
community and environmental benefits. Use of reclaimed water can provide economic
benefits and assist in the conservation of water resources.

The guidelines address effluent arising from municipal (ie community) wastewate~ plants,
however they do not consider reclaimed water from individual household systems or
undiluted liquid wastes of industrial origin.

While there is a high level of public acceptance towards reclaimed water use in Australia and
there are many reclaimed water schemes in operation, the overall proportion of wastewater
reuse is small.

Examples of reclaimed water include indirect potable use of reclaimed water and irrigation of
urban landscapes, sporting and recreational areas and agricultural crops.

lvucrOHt)l()lO~l!lc:al Water quality

It is recognised that the major risk of human contact with wastewater is infection from
viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths. Due to the human contribution to the wastewater
stream, it may contain a wide range of potentially infectious microorganisms. To specify
water quality fully in terms of those microorganisms is impractical. For practical applications
it is possible to work to an acceptable level of risk to public health through surrogates such as
counts of thermotolerant coliforms, turbidity and suspended solids (as indicators of process
train performance).

Thermotolerant coliforms are recommended as general indicators of reclaimed water quality.

Thermotolerant coliforms (also known as faecal coliforms) consisting chiefly of E. coli are
found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals. Guideline values for
thermotolerant coliforms fall into the following four main categories.

Guideline values for thermo tolerant coliforms

Non-human food chain <10,000

<1000
<100
<10

v
Chemical Water Quality

The main concern associated with chemical compounds in reclaimed water is their ability to
cause adverse health effects after prolonged periods of human exposure. The probability of
risk to health from chemical toxicants in domestic wastewater is very much lower than that
from microbial infection, with the presence of harmful chemicals in municipal wastewater
most likely to arise from industrial wastes.

Where it is known or suspected that chemical compounds are present at concentrations that
may cause problems, the guidelines recommend specific monitoring to determine the
concentration and source of contamination. Subsequent routine monitoring may also be
necessary to provide quality assurance.

Treatment

Treatment requirements of reclaimed water for the protection of human health differ from
environmental requirements where effluent is discharged to surface waters, groundwater or on
land. The following commonly used primary and secondary treatment technologies and
pathogen reduction methodologies have been addressed in these guidelines.

Secondary treatment processes:

activated sludge with settling or clarification;

• trickling filters with settling or clarification;
• oxidation ditch with settling or clarification; and
lagoons or oxidation ponds.

Tertiary treatment processes:

• microstraining;
• detention in polishing lagoons;
• filtration via sand, dual media or membranes - may include coagulant dosing;
grass filtration; and
• artificial wetland processes.

Pathogen reduction processes:

• chlorine;
• chlorine dioxide;
• ozone (03); and
• ultraviolet (UV) irridation.

Safeguards and controls

Protection of public health is paramount in the management of wastewater reuse projects.

Barriers that control human exposure to pathogens and contaminants include:

multiple independent treatment processes or barriers;

• industrial waste controls;
• reliable and resilient treatment processes and trained operators;
reliable disinfection systems;

vi
• secure effluent transfer systems;
• application controls (spray systems); and
• crop restrictions.

Monitoring of processes and indicators is necessary to ensure maintenance of these barriers.

Further safeguards that are commonly employed to ensure public safety are:

• alternative storage and/or disposal options for effluent;

• plumbing practices and signage to prevent cross connection with potable supply;
• public access controls;
• minimisation of spray drift; and
buffer zones.

Specific reclaimed water applications

The Guidelines for Sewerage Systems -Reclaimed Water classifies the use of reclaimed water
into a number of specific applications, each with its own requirements for:

• type of reuse;
• level of treatment;
• reclaimed water quality;
• reclaimed water monitoring; and
controls.

The order in which the specific applications are presented is from highest to least contact and
does not represent any prioritisation or order of preference for reclaimed water use. The
following reclaimed water use applications areraiscussed:

• direct potable;
• indirect potable;
• urban non-potable residential;
• urban non potable municipal;
• agricultural food production;
• agricultural non food crops;
• aquaculture;
• recreational;
• environment;
• industry; and
• aquifer storage and recovery.

Irrigation schemes

Because agricultural and municipal irrigation schemes comprise the most common use of
reclaimed water, some broad principles of reclaimed water irrigation practice are included in
the guidelines. Details of irrigation practices are not covered in the guidelines but some
general principles are given.

vii
Some important environmental criteria in the evaluation of a site for a reclaimed water
irrigation scheme are:

• consideration of low application rates, in proportion to total irrigation, for uses in near
pristine environments;
• the availability of sufficient land to accommodate any necessary storage requirements;
• the quality of underlying water in any unconfined aquifer;
• the crop cultivation area to be irrigated; and
• any additional statutory land requirements.

Traditionally, the philosophy underpinning land application of reclaimed water has been to
focus on disposal of large volumes with a minimum of adverse effects. Treated reclaimed
water is now widely regarded as a resource available for use, rather than a waste requiring
disposal. With the protection of public health as an overarching principle, beneficial uses of
reclaimed water should be encouraged where it is safe, practicable and economic to do so, and
where they provide the best environmental outcome.

v1n
1
This document is one of a suite of documents forming the National Water Quality Management
Strategy (NWQMS). Guidelines and documents forming part of the strategy are detailed in
Appendix 1.

The series Guidelines for Sewerage Systems covers sewerage systems as a whole. Five separate
documents deal with particular aspects of sewerage systems as set out in Figure 1. This
document provides national guidelines for the use of reclaimed water. The focus of the
document is to facilitate use of reclaimed water, a product resulting from the treatment of
wastewater to a level acceptable for beneficial use. The document can be used by water
resource managers and sewerage authorities to develop reclaimed water schemes after
allowing for local conditions, and as a reference for the community, industry and
environmental groups. It has been developed as a basis for a common and national approach
throughout Australia.

Figure 1: Diagrammatic structure of the Guidelines for Sewerage Systems

Guidelines for Sewerage Systems

Acceptance of Sewerage System Reclaimed Water Effluent Biosolids

Trade Waste Overflows Management Management

1
In this document guidelines are provided for specific reclaimed water applications in terms of:

• type of reuse;
• level of treatment;
• reclaimed water quality;
• reclaimed water monitoring; and
controls.

The guidelines deal with effluent from municipal (ie community) wastewater plants treating
mainly domestic and some industrial wastes. Discharges from treatment plants for specific
industries such as piggeries, tanneries, wineries and wool scouring are the subject of separate
guidelines.

These guidelines do not deal with reclaimed water from individual household systems (eg.
sullage, greywater or effluent from household or residential aerobic treatment units or septic
tanks), undiluted liquid wastes such as those from abattoirs or wastes of industrial origin
which are not components of municipal wastewater.

Use of reclaimed water within the boundaries of municipal wastewater treatment plants is
covered by "in house" operational safeguards and practices and is outside the scope of these
guidelines. The direct discharge and safe disposal of effluent from municipal wastewater
treatment plants to land or water is dealt with in the NWQMS Guidelines for Sewerage

1
Systems - Effluent Management. (Appendix 1). The Reclaimed Water Guideline deals with the
beneficial use of reclaimed water.

These guidelines apply to existing schemes as well as those proposed for the future.

It is not possible to set consistent broad national guidelines for reclaimed water applicable to
all specific regions of Australia. It may be necessary to take into account local conditions and
to consult with regulators such as the local health authority who may approve or require
practices differing from those in this guideline. For example, there is cause for greater care in
relation to hookworm in tropical regions.

Food hygiene concerns are not addressed in this guideline and individual industries should
address food safety issues. relating to the use of reclaimed water.

1
Wastewater and effluent are a part of the total water cycle. Reclaimed water is derived from
wastewater and treated to a level appropriate for its intended application.

Reclaimed water is a valuable resource, although only a small percentage is currently used in
Australia. However, there is growing interest in using this resource mainly for agricultural and
landscape irrigation including via groundwater recharge, and to a lesser extent for industrial
purposes or for the augmentation of domestic supplies.

These guidelines have been prepared to foster the use of reclaimed water in a way that
provides safeguards for public health and community and environmental benefits. The
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Agricultural and Resource
Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) and the Australian and
New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) will review them as
required, to ensure advances in science, technology and community expectations are taken
into consideration.

These guidelines supersede the 1987 NHMRC/AWRC Guidelines for the use of Reclaimed
Water and should be used in conjunction with individual State or Territory Guidelines, as
appropriate (eg. ACT Government, 1999; DHS and EPA, 1999; EHPD, 1996; NSW Recycled
Water Co-ordination Committee, 1993).

1 case
The expanding population and increasing urbanisation of Australia's towns and cities, along
with increasing industrialisation have placed pressures on our limited and sometimes
overcommitted water resources. Increasingly it is important to make best use of high quality
water supplies. It is important to address the wider problems of the urban water cycle
compounded by a legacy of our past approach to designs of once-through potable and
wastewater reticulation systems.

Wastewater is becoming a more valuable resource for industrial, agricultural, municipal and
domestic purposes. Its recycling allows a unit of water to be used for a number of times before
discharge to the environment.

2
An awareness of the role that water plays in the natural ecosystem has lead to support for
conservation of water resources. By reducing the volume of water which needs to be extracted
from natural water bodies the use of reclaimed water can assist in the protection of natural
ecosystems.

Nitrogen and phosphorus present in wastewater, which can cause eutrophication in receiving
waters, can have beneficial effects on plant growth when used for irrigation in a planned and
controlled manner. This benefit is of increasing importance where agricultural lands are
nitrogen and/or phosphorus deficient.

The evolving understanding of the potential problems associated with reclaimed water has
allowed development of health and environmental safeguards and regulatory practices. While
existing treatment technologies can not be regarded as failsafe, where such safeguards are in
place, the potential for adverse health effects or damage to the environment is extremely low.

Water used for irrigation need not be as high in quality as that used for drinking. The most
advantageous reclaimed water projects are those that substitute lower quality water with
minimum additional treatment for high quality potable water. The main benefits are
conservation of naturally occurring high quality water resources and pollution abatement.

There is strong support for the development of reclaimed water use among special interest and
community groups concerned with the environment.

The reuse of treated wastewater should be pursued within a wider environmental context
including consideration of the principles of Sustainable Development, water cycle
management and protection of public health. Total use of wastewater is only feasible in very
unusual circumstances. Reclaimed water schemes in large urban situations will not eliminate
the need for effluent discharges to the environment.

1 uses
In Australia, Europe and the USA the overall proportion of wastewater reclaimed and used
has been small up to now. However in areas such as California and Florida where water
resources are very limited the use of reclaimed water for crops, urban green spaces and
industry is widespread. Given the increasing pressure on water resources there will be
increasing incentives for water agencies and entrepreneurs to more fully exploit opportunities
presented by reuse.

In Australia the overall proportion of wastewater reclaimed and used is small. Local
circumsta~ces, particularly in dry inland areas, dictate the use of reclaimed water as a
preferred practice. There are many reclaimed water schemes in operation. Examples include
reuse for golf courses, racetracks, sports ovals, turf farms, vineyards, vegetable growing
(restricted) hydroponics, woodlots, cut flowers, plant nurseries, pasture crops, wetlands nature
reserves and cooling towers (industrial)(Eden, 1996), as well as reuse for domestic purposes,
for toilet flushing and fire protection.

Indirect potable use of reclaimed water (either planned or unplanned) occurs in communities
where surface water and groundwater receive treated effluent. Generally, the most common
planned uses for reclaimed water are irrigation of urban landscapes, sporting and recreational
areas and agricultural crops.

3
These guidelines cover wastewater from municipal treatment plants and:

• facilitate and promote the use of reclaimed water as a potentially valuable resource;
• provide safeguards for public health and the environment;
• accommodate existing practices previously demonstrated to be safe and beneficial; and
• encompass the current state of knowledge and international practice.

Public acceptance of reclaimed water use for a variety of actual and hypothetical applications
has been widely surveyed. Public opinion towards reclaimed water use is determined by:

cost/price;
availability of other sources of water;
• level of human contact;
• health;
• environment;
• treatment;
• distribution;
conservation; and
community expectations.

A high level of public acceptance is essential for projects involving public contact with
reclaimed water to be successful. Such acceptance requires confidence in sewerage system
operations and trade waste controls. There is a high level of goodwill towards the concept of
reclaimed water use and attitudes towards the practice are fairly consistent. Unfavourable
attitudes are more likely with a higher level of human contact or proximity to the application.
In such 'cases it is necessary to consult with the public about options for the use of reclaimed
water.

Applications such as agricultural or municipal irrigation are more likely to receive public
endorsement than contact recreational or non-potable domestic projects. In the absence of
other major driving factors, low contactuses are a good first choice.

The Implementation Guidelines describe the steps in developing plans and taking action to
manage water resources. The wider issues of community consultation in relation to effluent
management are discussed in the Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Effluent Management.
(See Appendix 1 for details of NWQMS documents.)

There are at present in Australia no federal legal requirements for reclaimed water to be
substituted for fresh water. There is a generally agreed principle that "No higher quality water,
unless there is a surplus of it, should be used for a purpose that can tolerate a lower grade"
(United Nations 1958). The use of reclaimed water may be governed by State and Territory
legislation. Specific statutory obligations may be imposed under health, environmental,
agricultural or food legislation or all four or may be a condition of land development.

4
Wastewater treatment plant owners, operators and end-users may be liable under common law
and under the Trade Practices Act for the use of a wastewater product that causes harm.

To minimise exposure to legal and financial risks, it may be necessary to:

ensure guidelines are followed;

• develop a system for altemati ve discharge or storage and further treatment of reclaimed
water unsuitable for reuse ego due to plant failure;
• ensure staff and contractors receive appropriate training to understand legal requirements
and risks;
• archive reclaimed water records properly so that they can be retrieved at a later date;
• provide clear, accurate and comprehensive information to consumers on limitations or
restrictions on reclaimed water uses and other relevant issues;
develop, implement and audit a quality assurance program that describes procedures for
monitoring, reporting, record keeping and auditing reclaimed water activities; and
develop effluent management protocols which ensure that appropriate contractual
arrangements are in place and that the responsibilities of the respective parties are clearly
set out.

In the operation of reclaimed water projects, the scope and responsibilities of the parties
involved may be set down in an agreement covering the respective interests of suppliers,
regulators and users. Agreement provisions could include quality, quantity of water supplied
and used, safeguards, financial arrangements, liabilities and obligations etc.

Participation in reclaimed water schemes (other than indirect potable) is usually a voluntary
arrangement. Experience has shown that although potential users show positive interest in
using reclaimed water, they may resist after the facilities are built. Before an agency or a
sponsor embarks on the significant cost of a reclaimed water project, it may wish to ensure
participation of potential users through contractual agreements.

Factors to address in a user contract include:

• definition of responsibilities and obligations;

• regulatory requirements;
• cost;
• contract duration - term, conditions for termination;
reclaimed water characteristics - source, quality, pressure;
• quantity and flow variations;
• reliability of supply - potential lapses in supply, backup provisions;
• commencement of use - when user can or will begin use;
• financial arrangement - pricing of reclaimed water, payment for access to the scheme;
• ownership of facilities - rights-of-way;
• responsibility for operation and maintenance;
• liabilities including risk allocation and insurance; and
• restrictions on use.

5
These guidelines are provided for specific reclaimed water applications under the following
headings:

.. water quality;
.. level of treatment;
.. safeguards and controls; and
.. monitoring.

The guidelines cover wastewater of municipal origin.

3.1.1 Microbiological
The major risk of human contact with wastewater is infection from the following micro-
organisms:

.. vIruses;
.. bacteria;
.. protozoa; and
.. helminths .

Viruses derived from human faeces are present in wastewater in numbers up to 100,000
infectious particles per litre. They can survive for prolonged periods in water systems. The
issue of virus reduction/removal needs to be given detailed consideration, given the
significance of these micro-organisms to public health (eg. Hepatitis A in oysters in Wallace
Lake, NSW). Identification and enumeration of viruses in wastewater are hampered by low
virus recovery rates, high cost and slowness of procedures. However, a significant body of
information indicates that viruses are removed, destroyed or inactivated to low or
undetectable levels by suitable wastewater treatment including filtration and disinfection
(Adin and Asano, 1998; Asano and Levine, 1996; Crook, 1997).

Pathogenic bacteria can be excreted by an apparently healthy population, and many of the
very large numbers of bacteria found in wastewater can cause disease. Some bacteria,
particularly thermotolerant coliforms, are indicators of faecal pollution.

Protozoa can cause disease in humans and infective forms are known to be present in
wastewater as cysts (Rose, 1997). Transmission of several pr~ozoan infections by vegetables
was reported to be due to use of contaminated water on the crops (Froese and Kindzierski,
1998) Three species of enteric protozoa are of particular importance and can cause moderate
to severe enteritis. These are:

.. Giardia intestinalis = lamblia

.. Entamoeba histolytica
.. Cryptosporidium spp.

Two groups of free living amoebae, Naegleria and Acanthamoeba, have been responsible for
opportunistic human infections in Australia (NWQMS (1996) Australian Drinking Water
Guidelines).

6
Parasitic helminths are of two types:

• roundworms (nematodes); and

• flatworms.

Their life cycle may be very complex, and many require an intermediate host. Helminths that
can be transmitted to humans through wastewater and are endemic in some areas of Australia
include:

• Ascaris lumbricoides (intestinal roundworm)

• Trichuris trichiura (whipworm)
• Ancylostoma duodenalelNecator americanus (hookworms)
Strongyloides stercoralis (threadworm)
• Hymenolepis nana (dwarf tapeworm)
• Taenia saginata (beef tapeworm)
• Taenia solium (pig tapeworm - exotic)
• Echinococcus granulosus (hydatid tapeworm)
• Toxocara canis
• Toxocara cati.

The first three organisms are the most common. Taeniasis in cattle can be a major veterinary
problem resulting in financial loss.

Because of the human contribution, wastewater can contain a wide range of potentially
infectious microorganisms. To specify water quality fully in terms of those microorganisms is
impractical. For practical applications it is possible to work to an acceptable level of risk to
public health through surrogates such as counts of thermotolerant coliforms, turbidity and
suspended solids (as indicators of process train performance).

Overseas epidemiological studies on populations exposed to untreated wastewater via crop

irrigation show that bacteria and helminths present the highest health risks and viruses little or
no actual risk. (WHO 1989)

For there to be a real risk of transmission of a specific disease through the use of reclaimed
water, all of the following conditions must be met:

• exposure to pathogens in the field;

• the infective dose must reach a human host;
• the host must become infected; and
• the infection causes disease or further transmission.
(after WHO 1989)

Preventing disease associated with the use of reclaimed water requires that the first two
conditions do not occur. This is achieved by providing both treatment for the removal of
pathogens and safeguards in the form of barriers between human popUlations and wastewater.
Relati ve reliance on these is dictated by practical and economic concerns.

Conventional treatment - primary and secondary followed by disinfection - does not ensure
removal of microorganisms, in particular helminths and protozoa. Consequently, disinfected
secondary effluent to be used for irrigation should either:

7
 derive from a population where helminth infection is non endemic; or
• undergo further treatment known to remove helminths such as storage in lagoons or
filtration.

Where helminth infections are known to be endemic, epidemiological data indicate that the
guideline quality of less than or equal to 1 egg per litre protects crop consumers, but not
necessarily field workers and their families, especially children. In such cases a stricter
guideline quality of less than or equal to 0.5 egg per litre may be required (Blumenthal et aI,
1996).

No guideline is set for protozoa in reclaimed water. Methods for determination of protozoa
numbers are complex and costly. Nor are removal of nematode eggs or bacteria reliable
indicators of removal of protozoan cysts (Kindzierski, Rogers and Low, 1993; Rose, 1997).
Use of turbidity as a surrogate is controversial (Rose, 1997). If there is reason to think that
there is a significant risk of infection occurring, additional safeguards or treatment may be
required to control these organisms. Advice should be sought from the local health authority.
Effective filtration is widely regarded as efficacious in removal of protozoa, although
extended storage retention, facilitating sedimentation and predation, and ozonation may also
be useful.

Thermotolerant coliforms are recommended as general indicators of reclaimed water quality.

Thermotolerant coliforms (also known as faecal coliforms) consisting chiefly of E. coli are
found in the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals. Guideline values for
thermotolerant coliforms fall into four main categories.

Table Guideline values for thermotolerant coliforms

Non-human food chain <10,000

Low contact, ego irrigation of open spaces with controlled <1000
ublic access
Medium contact, e . drinkin water for stock (exce <100
Hi h contact, e . urban residential arden waterin <10
* Refer to Section 3.5.1 Statistical treatment of data
These values are based on:

• a consensus of local practice which has been demonstrated to be safe; and

• consideration of the current status of scientific understanding and worldwide practice in
reclaimed water use.

Where certain diseases are endemic, health or environmental regulators may include stricter
requirements than those in the guidelines on a regional or site specific basis (eg. EHPD,
1996). Monitoring and demonstrated removal of specific organisms such as Giardia,
Cryptosporidium and Ascaris may be required.
*Note: It has been recognised that non-thermotolerant coliforms may grow in water in
tropical areas when the level of organic material is high. There is therefore the possibility
that a marginal and false elevation in the thermotolerant coliform count may occur in samples
taken at the point of effluent delivery in some parts of Australia, especially when the effluent
has been exposed to elevated temperatures in an extended distribution system.

8
3.1.2 Chemical
The main concerns associated with chemical compounds are their ability to cause adverse
health effects after prolonged periods of human exposure. Various compounds are
documented as being cumulative poisons, mutagens and/or carcinogens.

The probability of risk to health from chemical toxicants in domestic wastewater is very much
lower than that from microbial infection. (Mara and Cairncross 1989). The presence of
harmful chemicals in municipal wastewater is most likely to arise from industrial wastes.
Even in the absence of industrial waste, urban wastewater carries a significant load of micro-
pollutants of domestic origin.

To maintain public health and confidence and avoid undesirable impacts on reuse schemes,
use of reclaimed water must be complemented by a comprehensive and enforced trade
(industrial) waste policy. Certain types of wastes should be excluded, such as those
containing:

• radioactive materials with a half-life of more than a few days;

• pharmacologically active compounds;
non-biodegradable toxic organic materials;
elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS);
high concentrations of metals; and
• petrochemical and mining industries output.

For more details on this subject refer to NWQMS Guidelines for Sewerage Systems
Acceptance of Trade Waste (Industrial Waste) (Appendix 1).

While most organic material in wastewater is degraded by the normal processes of treatment,
some organic compounds of concern are sourced from industrial processes or proprietary
products used domestically or industrially. These compounds may be very stable and degrade
only slowly in the aquatic environment. Some are potentially carcinogenic or mutagenic, or
may be pharmacologically active.

In treatment systems, most organic compounds of concern tend to concentrate in the sludge
stream rather than the effluent stream. Metals also tend to be separated into the sludge stream.
Organics of higher molecular weight tend to be sparingly water-soluble, while organics with
low molecular weight, which have higher vapour pressure, tend to be volatile.

It is not possible to monitor for all the chemical compounds that may be found in reclaimed
water. Assurance of chemical safety is provided by:

• knowledge of industrial discharges;

• prescribed process trains for wastewater treatment; and
• monitoring of treatment efficiency by surrogates - ego biochemical oxygen demand
(BOD), suspended solids (SS).

Where it is known or suspected that chemical compounds are present at concentrations that
may cause problems, specific monitoring to determine the concentration and source should be
undertaken. Subsequent routine monitoring may also be necessary to provide quality
assurance.

9
The USEPA 1993 Toxic Release Inventory (1995) is one possible source of information on
the range of compounds to be considered. A list of toxicants together with guideline levels for
protection of aquatic ecosystems is also given in the NWQMS Australian Water Quality
Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (Appendix 1).

There are specific requirements for reclaimed water used for irrigation. Long term application
of reclaimed water at excessive levels could contaminate soil and groundwater. Soil properties
including infiltration characteristics can be adversely affected.

Other factors influencing the suitability for irrigation are discussed in the literature on
irrigation practice. Specific schemes may be subject to local environmental regulation. Local
and state guidelines for irrigation water quality and practice may also apply.

Radioactive substances may originate from medical or extractive industry sources. The
Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters recommend limits of 0.1
Becquerel per litre gross alpha and 0.1 becquerel per litre gross beta activity in water used for
irrigation.

It is relevant to note that international guidelines such as those developed by the WHO are not
intended for absolute and direct application in every country. Rather, they are intended to
serve as a common background against which national or regional standards can be
developed. In the context of reuse, there is evidence that "no-risk" or "zero-exposure"
standards are over conservative, and that a "threshold" approach to standard-setting is more
rational and incorporates a balancing of risks and benefits (Hespanhol and Prost, 1994).

Risk assessment methodologies use indirect measures of pathogen risk by modelling hUman
exposure and disease response. Such methods have come into prominence because of the
insenstivities of epidemiological methods in providing empirical data on health risks.
Procedures are under development for determining health risks for waterborne pathogens
(Crook, 1997; Neumann and Foran, 1997). These techniques cannot at present be relied on,
and are no substitute for monitoring of bacteria, helminths, protozoa or viruses. However, risk
assessment can be useful in planning and managing reclaimed water projects, and may assist
in refinement of guidelines in future (Bastian, 1996; Crohn and Yates, 1997; Crook et aI,
1998).

Guidelines for reclaimed water generally concentrate on public health issues and are mainly
concerned with the microbiological aspects. Within this context they vary widely in their
content and complexity. There are two guidelines that have formed models for those currently
in place throughout the world:

1. Californian guidelines specify a high level of treatment with required process trains
and low-level faecal coliforms: less than 23 per 100 millilitres or less than 2.2 per 100
millilitres, depending on application. The more recently developed United States Environment
Protection Agency (USEPA) guidelines (USEP A 1992) are based on the Californian model
and the accumulated experience of other states.

2. World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines (WHO 1989), based on an

epidemiological approach, specify levels of intestinal nematodes, faecal coli forms and a
minimum level of treatment based on detention time in ponds. The WHO specifies faecal

10
colifonns less than 1000 per 100 millilitres, and absence of the helminths Ascaris and
Trichuris.

To achieve USEPA guidelines, complex treatment processes are necessary involving large
capital and operating expenses for plant and equipment. The WHO guidelines can be achieved
by cheaper, simpler technology.

The USEPA approach has been to specify both treatment processes and water quality
parameters for a particular application. The arguments for such an approach are that:

• surrogate parameters may not adequately characterise reclaimed water quality~

specifying treatment trains and surrogate parameters removes the need to monitor for large
numbers of chemicals or pathogenic microorganisms;
• the need to monitor specific pathogens such as viruses is eliminated reducing costs and
time; and
• treatment reliability is enhanced.

Virus limits are not recommended because:

• there is a body of evidence demonstrating viral removal following filtration and

disinfection;
• virus monitoring is slow, expensive and imprecise~
up to 28 days are needed for virus identification;
• there is no consensus on the health significance of low levels of viruses in reclaimed
wastewater; and
there are insufficient studies available to define appropriate benchmark levels for setting
viral guidelines.

The WHO and USEPA models along with the infonnation used in developing the NSW
Guidelinesfor Urban and Residential Use of Reclaimed Water have been considered in the
development of these guidelines.

The USEPA philosophy of setting guidelines based on a combination of treatment

requirements and levels for surrogate parameters has been followed with adaptation to local
conditions.

Treatment requirements for protection of human health for reclaimed water differ from
environmental requirements where effluent is discharged to surface waters, groundwater or
the land.

In limited circumstances in Australia direct application of raw sewage to land is allowable

only as part of a well operated treatment process with well defined boundaries, monitoring,
safeguards and controls. Reclaimed water to be used for irrigation should undergo further
treatment. For many applications, secondary treatment with disinfection will suffice. For the
higher contact applications, tertiary treatment will be required.

The degree of removal of microorganisms by a treatment process is expressed here in tenns of

log10 units, ego a reduction of four (4) logs is equivalent to 99.99% removal.

11
The commonly used disinfection processes have been extensively reviewed (White,
1999a,b,c,d,e,f,g) and are listed below. Other process trains such as physico - chemical
treatment followed by membrane filtration may provide equivalent results. Alternative
treatment methods might be acceptable when performance is proven to the satisfaction of
regulatory authorities.

3.3.1 Secondary treatment

This is principally aimed at removal of dissolved and suspended organic material by
biological oxidation and sedimentation. Biological or chemical methods may also be used to
achieve:

• oxidation of ammonia (nitrification);

removal of nitrogen (denitrification); and
phosphorus removal.

Secondary treatment may be preceded by primary treatment with or without chemical

addition, screening and grit removal.

Secondary treatment processes include:

activated sludge with settling or clarification;

trickling filters with settling or clarification;
oxidation ditch with settling or clarification; and
• lagoons or oxidation ponds.

It is possible to achieve:

removal of around two log units of excreted bacteria (Mara and Caimcross, 1989);
• 85 per cent removal of BOD and SS; and
• high removal of metals and organic trace contaminants.

Secondary effluent generally has BOD < 30 mg/l, SS < 30 mg/L but may rise to > 100 mg/L
due to algal solids in lagoon or pond systems.

3.3.2 Pathogen reduction

Levels of pathogenic organisms are reduced by normal wastewater treatment processes and by
the use of disinfectant chemicals. Additional pathogen reduction by disinfection is normally
required for the use of reclaimed water. Effectiveness is reduced by the presence of suspended
material that shields microorganisms from the disinfectant. Chlorine is the most widely used
agent.

Other agents include:

• chlorine dioxide;
• ozone (03); and
• ultraviolet (UV) irradiation via sunlight or UV lamps.

Stabilisation or maturation ponds are a very effective and simple means of providing
treatment and pathogen reduction.

12
Bacteria are less resistant to chlorine than are viruses, which in tum are less resistant than
parasite ova and cysts (Feachem et al. 1983). Chlorine is most effective in the range pH 7- 8.
Ozone offers one of the best approaches for effectively killing Cryptosporidium oocysts in
water (Rose, 1997).

Under favourable conditions, ponds can reduce helminth populations by up to six log units
within five days' detention. Parasites such as Ent. histolytica cysts are completely removed by
ponds with 20 days retention time. (Feachem et a11983). Similar conditions reduce bacteria
populations by up to six log units, and viruses by up to five log units (WPCF 1989). Pond
design should ensure turbulence and short-circuiting are minimised. The use of ponds in series
is effective in this regard.

3.3.3 Tertiary treatment

This includes treatment aimed at further improving effluent quality beyond secondary
treatment and may be required to meet specific end uses by further removal of:,

• suspended solids;
• pathogenic organisms;
nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen; or
• other specific contaminants.

Tertiary treatment processes include:

• microstraining;
detention in polishing lagoons;
• filtration via sand, dual media or membranes - may include coagulant dosing;
grass filtration; and
• artificial wetland processes.

Conventional filtration
This uses a physical process to separate suspended and colloidal matter from the effluent by
passage through a bed of granular media. It improves disinfection efficiency through removal
of suspended matter and other interfering substances.

Principal types of filters are classified according to:

• direction of flow through the bed;

• type of filter bed: single, dual, tri-medium beds;
• type of filter media: sand, anthracite, gamet, activated carbon, resin beds;
• flowrate: rapid filters, slow filters;
• driving force: pressure, gravity; and
• filter depth: may be shallow or deep (preferred)

Conventional filtration may be accompanied by chemical treatment with coagulants such as

lime, alum or iron salts and polyelectrolyte to further improve effluent quality. It removes up
to three log units of bacteria and around 30 per cent of BOD. Pathogens are retained on the
filter media and are present in backwash streams that require subsequent treatment. Deep-bed
dual media sand and coal pressure filters have been shown to be particularly useful in
removing enteroviruses, Cryptosporidium and Giardia (Crook et aI, 1998).

Activated carbon treatment

13
This is the most practical method of removing refractory organics that produce colour and
contribute to the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater and persist in effluent after
secondary treatment.

Activated carbon removes organic and some inorganic materials by adsorption. The carbon is
used in two forms:

powdered activated carbon (PAC) usually dosed into the secondary effluent, and
granular activated carb<?n (GAC) used as a filter medium in fixed or moving beds.

Membrane systems / microfiltration processes

These have been used as an additional treatment to produce a high quality effluent with
demonstrated effective elimination of bacteria and viruses. Pathogens are retained on the
membrane or filter media and are present in backwash streams that require subsequent
treatment.

Artificial wetlands
These are being developed as a potential process· for upgrading effluent. Wetland systems
exhibit seasonal variability, but have the potential for removal of BOD, SS and nitrogen.

Periodic harvesting of material may be necessary to remove nutrients and pollutants from the
system.

Pathogenic bacteria are removed via sedimentation, predation, and natural die-off. Pathogenic
die-off due to natural UV radiation occurs in artificial wetlands containing open water
sections. Significant die-off rates have also been demonstrated for viruses.

Biting or pest insects are a possible major hazard that may arise. Management planning and
control measures should be adopted to address problems from mosquitos and other insects.

Natural wetlands are unsuitable for effluent treatment or disposal.

3.3.4 Level of treatment

The level of treatment required depends on the application. Where there is restricted access to
the general public, controls and safeguards may be applied and lower 'levels of treatment may
~e used. Conversely, where there is contact by large numbers of people and safeguards are not
strictly enforceable, higher levels of treatment will be needed. Under these circumstances,
multiple independent treatment processes or barriers should be considered to ensure system
reliability and safety (Haas and Trussell, 1998).

Application options suitable for various treatment process trains are summarised in Table 2.
Particular circumstances may dictate higher levels of treatment for these applications. This
table summarises the more detailed information in Table 3.

14
Table 2: Process trains suitable for particular applications

Secondary • agriculture (non human food chain, ego cotton

sil viculture, turf)
• aquaculture (non-human food chain)

Secondary with pathogen • indirect potable (surface water)

reduction • municipal irrigation (controlled access)
• agricultural (no direct contact of water with crops)
• pasture and fodder
• passive recreation (ornamental waterbodies)
• industrial (open system)

Tertiary with pathogen reduction • indirect potable groundwater recharge by

spreading
• indirect potable groundwater recharge by injection
• urban residential
• municipal irrigation (uncontrolled access)
• agricultural (direct contact of water with crops
consumed raw)

3.3.5 System reliability

It is essential that reclamation facilities reliably and consistently produce and distribute
reclaimed water of adequate quality and quantity. Careful attention must be given to reliability
during the facility's design, construction and operation. Fallible elements include:

• the power supply;

• individual treatment units;
• mechanical equipment;
• the maintenance program;
• the operating personnel; and
illegal trade waste discharge.

The following factors should be considered:

• independence of multiple treatment processes or barriers (Rass and Trussel, 1998);

• check of engineering design;
• duplicate and/or standby facilities for power, treatment units, pumps and pathogen
reduction;
• automatic ~ontrols and alarms;
• flexible operating modes;
• engineering support;
• qualified personnel;
• effective monitoring program;
• effective maintenance and process control program;
• quality assurance; and
• provision for emergency storage and disposal.

15
Protection of public health is paramount in the management of wastewater reuse projects.
Protection is provided by barriers that control human exposure to pathogens and
contaminants. Such barriers include:

41& multiple independent treatment processes or barriers, where higher quality reclaimed water
is required (eg. sedimentation and filtration are not independent if the success or failure of
both barriers depends on efficient coagulation prior to sedimentation) (Haas and Trussell,
1998)
41& industrial waste controls;
reliable and resilient treatment processes and trained operators;
41& reliable disinfection systems;
41& secure effluent transfer systems;
41& application controls (spray systems); and
crop restrictions.

Monitoring of processes and indicators is necessary to ensure maintenance of these barriers.

Some safeguards commonly used are outlined below.

3.4.1 Effluent disposal

Where reclaimed water may be unsuitable for use due to treatment failure or the normal
reclaimed water application is not available, there is a need for the system operator to have
available alternative storage and/or disposal options which will ensure protection of human
health and the environment.

3.4.2 Plumbing
Where reclaimed water is piped to the site where it is to be used, there is a risk that the
reclaimed water pipe could be mistaken for a potable water supply and cross connection could
occur. Cross connection control and backflow prevention require the following measures:

41& maintenance of complete pipeline plans;

appropriate pipeline identification;
41& education of owner, operator(s), plumbers and the wider community; and
41& surveillance of operation and inspection of modifications to the reclaimed water system.

If potable water is supplied into the reclaimed water system as make-up water, an approved
air gap meeting the requirements of AS 3500 or other appropriate standard must be installed
in the potable supply at the point where it enters the system.

To protect the potable supply from backflow in the event of a cross connection, the reclaimed
water system should be installed below the depth of the potable water supply and operated at a
lower pressure than the potable system if practicable. Pressure tappings should also be
provided to permit in situ testing for correct operation.

All pressure piping used for the reclaimed water system must be readily identifiable and
distinguishable from potable water piping on the same site. All above ground and buried
facilities and water hose tap outlets located in areas of public access must be distinctively
colour coded and/or marked with the words Reclaimed Water - NOT FOR DRINKING.

16
International Diagram Signs for Non-English speakers may be necessary. Childproof taps
should be used to prevent children from drinking non-potable water.

For above ground installations, non-potable water services should not be installed within 100
millimetres of parallel potable water supply. Below ground installations of non-potable water
services should not be installed within 300 millimetres of any parallel potable water supply.

Where reclaimed water is provided to residential areas as a piped non-potable supply, the
minimum inspection frequency of the reclaimed water system should be:

(I all new services at installation;

all services on change of ownership;
(I all services following completion of property extensions or plumbing modifications; and
each service at least every five years by the authority responsible for the supply or by the
owner/operator.

3.4.3 Access
Public access may be controlled, ie limited to times when irrigation with reclaimed water is
not taking place or limited to areas outside irrigation spray drift. Alternatively where lower
quality water is used eg in tree growing, public access may be restricted to prevent direct
contact with irrigated areas. In cases where irrigation is to sites accessible to the public, signs
should be visible at the main points of access advising the type of reuse and any restrictions
releva~t to the public consistent with Table 3.

3.4.4 Spray irrigation

Drift of reclaimed water spray into areas of public access should be minimised through the
use of buffer zones, selection of large droplet design sprays and choice of spray height unless
parasites and other pathogens are virtually absent.

Spray irrigation of agricultural crops which gives rise to aerosols should not take place within
50 metres of houses or roads. This is a minimum distance. The size of the buffer zone is
dependent on factors such as proximity of the public, wind speed and direction, height and
droplet size and type of irrigation system used. Buffer zones may need to be increased or
decreased where high-pressure systems or low pressure, low rise sprays are used. Local
authorities should be consulted when determining the size of the buffer zone. Anemometers
may be used to determine wind speed and predict the direction and extent of spray drift. They
may be used to cut off irrigation systems under high wind conditions. Cut off wind speed may
be determined from a consideration of the factors listed above. The addition of vegetative
barriers eg shrubs or small trees, within buffer zones could minimise spray drift.

3.4.5 Crop restrictions

Rigorous treatment may be avoided by appropriate crop selection. Use of reclaimed water to
irrigate non-food crops such as cotton or timber effectively prevents pathogens from reaching
the human food chain.

The monitoring parameters and suggested frequencies here are additional to and separate from
those for treatment plant environmental compliance and process control. They provide a
minimum basis for assessment of reclaimed water quality. The health and environmental
regulators will generally require reporting of reclaimed water quality data on a regular basis.
Also any changes or abnormalities in treatment plant performance resulting in changes in

17
reclaimed water quality would generally be reported to the regulator together with details of
remedial action.

The aim of monitoring programs is to demonstrate reclaimed water quality at the point of
entry to the reclaimed water reticulation system (point of supply) rather than at the treatment
plant. In most cases monitoring will be at the point of entry to the reclaimed water reticulation
system. For larger and more complex supply systems, one or more appropriately located
sampling points may be used where there is good correlation with reclaimed water quality at
the point of supply.

Assessment of reclaimed water quality must be based on a statistically valid sampling

program. Monitoring requirements may be tailored in accordance with a statistically sound
justification based on the scale and nature of the reclaimed water scheme and with the
approval of the appropriate regulators. Sampling frequency may be reduced based on a
satisfactory historical record and subject to approval by the health regulator. Where guideline
values are exceeded, sampling frequencies should be increased ego from monthly to weekly. A
more rigorous monitoring program is required during the commissioning of a reclaimed water
scheme. It may be relaxed later based on satisfactory compliance. A comprehensive account
of reclaimed water monitoring, sampling and analysis procedures is given by Rowe and
Abdel-Magid (1995b). NSW has specific requirements for bacteria, virus and parasite
monitoring for dual systems for urban and residential use (NSW Recycled Water Co-
ordination Committee, 1993).

For small, rural and/or remote communities where it is not feasible to apply normal
microbiological monitoring the recommended frequencies may be reduced. In such cases
greater reliance may be placed on surrogate parameters such as lagoon detention time or
disinfectant residual. For assessment of the variation in quality over time a minimum five
minute interval between samples is recommended.

Over time, a body of water quality data relating to a particular scheme will become available.
When 20 per cent of results are greater than four times the median guideline level, there is
cause for further investigation for underlying reasons.

Water quality guidelines together with monitoring control charts enable ongoing performance
assessment and early detection of changes.

For weekly sampling consideration should be given to a six day rotating sampling frequency
in order to monitor variations through the days of the week. Monitoring frequencies are given
in Table 3.

3.5.1 Statistical treatment of data

The numbers of indicator organisms observed in a large number of 100 mL samples are not
evenly distributed around any of the usual measures of central tendency such as the arithmetic
mean, average or mode.

Where a large range of counts is observed, their logarithms are usually evenly distributed
around such measures of central tendency. This is because the counts themselves tend to vary
in what is called a logarithmically normal (log normal) distribution. Under these
circumstances, the summary indices commonly used to characterise the distribution are the
measures of central tendency known as the median and the geometric mean.

18
The choice between the median and the geometric mean as the summary index of log normal
distributions is not clear cut. Examples of both measures can be found among criteria and
guidelines in use overseas. In general for health related characteristics, a maximum or 95th
percentile value is specified. However in the case of reclaimed water, the variation in the
distribution makes this approach unsuitable.

In this document, the median is used for all bacterial guidelines for the following reasons:

• it is easily understood as a measure of central tendency, being in fact the central

observation, with an equal number of observations on either side of it;
it is easily ascertained by ordering the observed numbers from lowest to highest without
performing any arithmetical operations on them;
• it is robust, not being influenced by extreme values such as zero on the one side or very
large numbers on the other;
• it is distribution free, this means its interpretation does not depend on assuming any
underlying statistical distribution of the observed numbers;
• it works well with low numbers as well as high, unlike the geometric mean, which must
artificially assign to zero readings a value of one, thus having a distorting effect for
distributions involving very low numbers; and
• it has produced reliable monitoring data in practice thus permitting satisfactory public
health controls to be achieved.

19
The use of reclaimed water is classified in Table 3 into a number of specific applications,
each with its own requirements for:

., type of reuse;
., level of treatment;
., reclaimed water quality;
., reclaimed water monitoring; and
controls

The order in which the specific applications are presented in Table 3 is from highest to least
contact and does not represent any prioritisation or order of preference for reclaimed water
use.

For irrigation schemes the water quality guidelines provided here relate to spray application.

Reclaimed water of a lesser quality may be used under certain conditions. Such conditions
would include well-constructed schemes using surface irrigation, eg by trickle or micro-
irrigation systems, and demonstration of safety of the practice to the satisfaction of the
regulators. The intensity and depth of irrigation should be adapted to soil and vegetation type
to minimise leaching of lower quality water beneath the root zone.

For almost all applications control of nutrients, toxicants, salinity and sodicity of reclaimed
water will be required to prevent unwanted effects such as damage to plant growth,
eutrophication of surface waters or contamination of groundwater.

4.1 Direct potable

This involves the treatment of wastewater to such an extent that it can be fed into a potable
treatment or supply system. It is not possible at present to provide any guidelines for this
practice.

4.2 Indirect potable

This involves the augmentation of groundwater and surface waters with reclaimed water.
Water may then be extracted from these sources and subsequently treated for potable
purposes.

Ideally the water supply should be taken from the best quality sources available.
Contamination of a water source should be prevented or controlled by the maintenance of the
barriers. Where pristine sources are not available indirect potable water may be used.
Reclaimed water used for augmentation should be of equal or better quality than the receiving
water.

This practice of augmentation of surface waters using reclaimed water occurs in many parts of
Australia. High dilution and extended storage of raw water normally takes place prior to
abstraction and subsequent treatment to ensure that potable water meets NWQMS (1996)
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (Appendix 1). In the future this type of indirect potable
reuse may in some cases be the best planning option for management of the water cycle
particularly where water resources are limited.

20
Groundwater recharge and surface water augmentation using reclaimed water should be
approved on a site-specific basis by the health and environment protection authorities.

A minimum of secondary treatment is needed in order to provide a raw water quality for
subsequent treatment to potable quality. Additional pathogen reduction by means of
disinfection may be necessary for some indirect potable uses.

Hydrological and geological characteristics along with soil type determine the suitability of
specific sites for recharge.

By providing a retention period of 12 months prior to groundwater abstraction for potable use,
virus numbers are reduced through die-off and adsorption.

Nitrogen content of surface and groundwaters supplemented by reclaimed water should be

closely monitored. Total oxidised nitrogen levels should be less than 10 mg/L as N when
diluted and abstracted for drinking purposes.

4.3 Urban non-potable residential

This category includes all uses of reclaimed water in urban situations such as irrigation of
open spaces, cleaning and dust suppression. As there is potential for a high level of contact,
high quality is required.

Thermotolerant coliforms must be at low levels. Treatment processes should remove

particulate matter to enable destruction of pathogens by disinfection. Turbidity, suspended
solids and chlorine residual are surrogates for pathogen removal and should be <2 NTU, <5
mglL and >1 mg/L respectively.

For toilet flushing in closed systems, such as office or factory systems with no direct human
contact with reclaimed water, guideline values for thermotolerant coliforms, turbidity, and
suspended solids are not proposed. However, conventional filtration and pathogen reduction
are required. Specific requirements for urban dual reticulation systems have been prescribed
by authorities in NSW (NSW Recycled Water Co-ordinating Committee, 1993).

4.4 Urban non potable municipal

This is similar to the above practice but with some safeguards and controls possible. The level
of treatment and water quality for this application depends on the extent of controls on public
access. The urban residential guideline above applies for a high level of contact.

Where a withholding period can be applied between irrigation and public access, a lesser
degree of treatment and water quality may be used. The withholding period should be until
any ponding of water is no longer apparent. Ideally the surface and grass or foliage should be
dry, normally four hours under temperate conditions, but this requirement may be increased
where dew fall conditions prevent complete drying of foliage. Lesser withholding periods
may be used where safety of the practice can be demonstrated.

4.5 Agricultural Food Production

There are a number of situations where it is appropriate to use reclaimed water in agricultural
production systems including horticultural, pastoral and silvicultural applications. Prospective
users of reclaimed water should seek advice on the acceptability of reclaimed water use from
relevant food regulatory bodies, industry associations and product buyers.

21
Agencies responsible for the distribution of reclaimed water should appreciate that these
guidelines have been drafted on the basis that only input from permitted industrial and human
wastewaters has been taken into account. Where wastewater from animal enterprises like
saleyards, abattoirs, animal refuges, knackeries and dairies is accepted into sewerage plants,
the diseases of livestock endemic in an area need to be considered. Reclaimed water
treatment, quality and controls should be set to ensure that animal diseases are not spread by
reuse practices.

Australia is fortunate that Taenia solium has not established a life cycle in Australia and it
must not be allowed to do so. To ensure this, the guidelines recommend that pigs are not
exposed either to reclaimed water or to crops produced using reclaimed water.

As the survival of some human pathogens is not completely understood, a higher level of
treatment incorporating safeguards and processes to control all types of pathogens including
protozoa and viruses is required for crops consumed raw. Potential users of reclaimed water
on these crops should seek advice from, and comply with any requirements of, appropriate
state or territory authorities. In all such cases, the fundamental basis of assessment should be
the quality of the water not its source.

Helminths should be absent from reclaimed water irrigation of crops destined for livestock
uses or veterinary advice sought on alternative helminth controls such as cattle husbandry. In
the case of dairy animals ie. cattle, sheep and goats, a withholding period from grazing access
is required to allow for pasture drying. The withholding period is dependent on the reclaimed
water quality.

No recommendations have been made on a guideline for protozoa in reclaimed water used in
agriculture. Parasites such as cryptosporidia, giardia, toxoplasma, etc may be present in
wastewater. No recommendations have been made because it is not known what guidelines
should apply. To date, problems do not appear to have arisen in the absence of guidelines and
the survival and epidemiology of these parasites in wastewater treatment and reuse systems is
not well understood.

4.6 Agricultural Non Food Crops

Lower levels of treatment may be used in the production of non-food crops, eg silviculture.
This is a low contact application. Public access should be excluded. The application rate will
depend on several factors including soil type and topography. Runoff of excess irrigation
water or stormwater contaminated with effluent should be avoided. Bunding may need to be
constructed to control irrigation runoff and recover effluent runoff for reapplication.

4.7 Aquaculture
Reclaimed water may be a component of waters used in non-human food chain fish
cultivation and to a lesser extent the cultivation of algae and zooplankton. Water quality
requirements vary depending on the application. Aquaculture projects for human food chain
purposes require approval by health regulators.

4.8 Recreational
There are no known examples of contact recreational use of impounded surface waters
entirely supplied with reclaimed water in Australia. The main overseas example is in Santee,
California, USA. Proposals for schemes of this kind would be regulated by state
environmental and health authorities on a case by case basis.

Reclaimed water may be used in ornamental waterbodies where there is no human contact.

22
4.9 Environment
Environmental uses of reclaimed water covers examples of surface water augmentation other
than in impoundments. Water quality requirements will be site specific and will be stipulated
by the health and environmental regulators.

4.10 Industry
Reclaimed water may be used in industrial applications such as cooling or quenching and dust
control. Applications using reclaimed water may have specific chemical quality requirements
needing particular treatment trains.

Closed systems do not allow any contact and where these are used and water quality
requirements permit, secondary treatment alone may suffice. Applications such as cooling
waters will have highly specific chemical and microbiological requirements.

Open systems allow a degree of contact, and with correct system design and workforce
education, the risk of accidental or deliberate ingestion or inhalation of aerosols can be
minimised.

Where there is a possibility of contact with the effluent, issues related to the health of workers
dictate secondary treatment followed by tertiary treatment such as filtration and pathogen
reduction.

4.11 Aquifer Storage and Recovery

Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is the practice of injecting water into aquifers for
storage and subsequent reuse. Reclaimed water may be used for this purpose. While the
practice is in its infancy in Australia, there are several research and full-scale projects. ASR is
likely to become more widespread as it offers a means of large-scale water storage at low
cost. Guidelines are given for groundwater recharge for various environmental values.
Possible uses of ASR include;
• augmentation of groundwater supplies ego for irrigation;
• reduction of groundwater salinity (aquifer renewal); and
• prevention of seawater intrusion.

Water quality requirements for recharge purposes will be site specific and will be stipulated
by the health and environmental regulators. NWQMS Guidelines for Groundwater Protection
in Australia (Appendix 1) also apply.

Recent research has been conducted into fate of contaminants and changes in water quality in
the aquifer matrix following ASR and guidelines have been developed. (P Dillon, P Pavelic
1996) Their subsequent research is facilitating further development of guidelines and Codes
of Practice for ASR under Australian conditions.

23
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water
- - - - - _ .. _-------

Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water quality 1 Controls

Reclaimed water monitoring 2
DIRECT POTABLE No guideline
available

INDIRECT POTABLE

Surface water Secondary pH weekly State Statutory requirements met.

Surface water should comply with raw drinking water
guidelines at abstraction point. (Appendix 1)
And
Pathogen reductionS Subsequent treatment to drinking water guidelines
Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
by filtration and additional treatment! (Appendix 1)
<1000 cfu 1100ml4 Disinfection systems daily6

Groundwater Secondary, possible Site specific, no deleterious pH weekly Minimum 3 m depth to groundwater. Groundwater
Recharge by spreading into potable need for Tertiary effects on aquifer water quality meets pre-existing values. Groundwater
aquifer (nutrient reduction) quality should comply with raw drinking water guidelines
(site specific) or land resource after mixing. (Appendix 1)

Possible need for 12 months minimumrretention time of reclaimed

Thermotolerant cbliforms 3
water underground prior to withdrawal.
pathogen reductionS < 1000 cfull OOml

Groundwater Secondary, possible No deleterious effects on pH weekly Irreversible clogging avoided. Groundwater quality
Recharge by injection into potable need for Tertiary aquifer water quality or land meets pre-existing values. Groundwater should
aquifer (nutrient reduction) resource comply with raw drinking water guidelines after
(site specific) mixing. (Appendix 1)
And
12 months minimum retention time of reclaimed
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
water underground prior to withdrawal.
< 10 cfull 00m14 Disinfection systems daily6

24
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued) ----

Type of reuse Level of treatment Controls

Reclaimed water Qualityl Reclaimed water monitoring 2

URBAN (NON POTABLE)

Residential Tertiary pH weekly Plumbing controls.

pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Garden watering BOD weekly
Toilet flushing Turbidity continuous
Car washing ~2NTU9
Path/wall washing
And
Pathogen reductionS 1 mg/L Cl2 residual 10 after Disinfection systems daily6
30 min, or equivalent Thermotolerant coliforms 3 daily
indicator organism reduction
to
Thermotolerant coliforms 3
<10 cfu /1 00ml4

Toilet flushing closed systems Tertiary Plumbing controls.

(Office or factory systems with no direct
human contact with reclaimed water)
And
For non residential usage, legionella controls and
Pathogen reduction5 1 mg/L Cl2 residual lO or Disinfection systems daily6
biocide dosing may be required. Specific legion ella
equivalent level of Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly6 control guidelines should be consulted.
I
disinfection

25
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued)
Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water qualityl Reclaimed water monitorin1! 2 Controls

URBAN (NON POTABLE)

Municipal with uncontrolled public Tertiary pH weekly Colour reduction may be

pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
access BOD weekly necessary for ornamental uses.
Irrigation open spaces, parks, Turbidity continuous Application rates limited to protect groundwater
sports grounds , dust suppression, ~2NTU9 quality. Salinity should be considered for irrigation.
construction sites, ornamental
waterbodies
And
With disinfection system ego C12
Pathogen reductionS 1 mg/L C12 residual lO or
equivalent level of pathogen Disinfection systems daily6
reduction

Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 monthly6

<10 cfu /l00m14
Municipal with controlled public Secondary pH monthly Application rates limited to protect groundwater
access Irrigation open spaces, parks, SS monthly quality. Salinity should be considered for irrigation.
sports grounds, dust suppression,
construction sites, mines Irrigation during times of no public access.
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Disinfection systems daily6
Withholding period nominally 4 hours or until
<1000 cfu /l00m14 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 monthly irrigated area is dry.

26
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued)
Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water qualityl Reclaimed water monitoring 2 Controls

AGRICULTURAL

Food production Tertiary pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater

pH 6.S - 8.S 7
Raw human food crops in direct contact Turbidity continuous quality. Salinity should be considered.
with reclaimed water ego via sprays, ~2NTU9
irrigation of salad vegetables
And
A minimum of 25 days ponding or equivalent
Pathogen reduction 5 I mg/L Cl2 residual lO or Disinfection systems daily6
treatment (eg. sand filtration) for helminth controls.
equivalent level of
disinfection

Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly

<10 cfu 1100ml4
Food production Secondary pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater
pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Raw human food crops not in direct BOD weekly quality. Salinity should be considered.
contact with reclaimed water (edible SS weekly
product separated from contact with Dropped crops not to be harvested from the ground.
effluent, ego by peel, use of trickle And
irrigation).or crops sold to consumers
cooked or processed
Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly Crops must be cooked (>70°C for 2 minutes),
Pathogen reduction5 Thermotolerant coliforms 3
commercially processed or peeled before
<1000 cfu /l00m14 consumption.

Food production Secondary pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater

pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Pasture and fodder (for grazing animals SS weekly quality.
except pigs and dairy animals, ie. cattle,
sheep and goats) And
Withholding period of nominally 4 hours for irrigated
Pathogen reduction 5 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
pasture.
<1000 cfu /l00m14 Disinfection systems daily6 Drying or ensiling of fodder
Helminth controls 8 .

27
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued)
Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water_quality 1 Reclaimed water monitoring 2 Controls

AGRICULTURAL

Food production Secondary . pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater

pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals SS weekly quality.
(with withholding period). And
Withholding period of 5 days for grazing animals.
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
Drying or ensiling of fodder
< 1000 cfu /l 00ml4 Disinfection systems daily6 Helminth controls 8 .

Food production Secondary pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater

pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Pasture and fodder for dairy animals SS weekly quality.
(without withholding period). Drinking
water (all stock except pigs) Washdown
water for dairies.
And
No withholding period
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
Helminth controls 8.
<100 cfu /l00m14 Disinfection systems daily6

Non food crops Secondary pH weekly Application rates limited to protect groundwater
pH 6.5 - 8.5 7
Silviculture, turf and cotton etc. BOD weekly qUality.
SS weekly
And
Pathogen reductionS Restricted public access.
Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
Withholding period of nominally 4 hours or until
<10,000 cfu 1l00ml4 irrigated area is dry.

28
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued)
-

Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water qualityl Reclaimed water monitoring 2 Controls

AQUACULTURE

Non-human food chain Secondary pH weekly Salinity Controls TDS <1000mglL

SS weekly <10% change in turbidity (seasonal mean conc.)
Dissolved oxygen controls may be required for fish,
zooplankton.
And
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
viaMaturation ponds <10,000 cfu /l00ml4 Disinfection systems daily6
(5 days retention
time)

29
 Table 3: Guidelines for the Use of Reclaimed Water (continued) - - - - - -

Type of reuse Level of treatment Reclaimed water qualityl Controls

Reclaimed water monitoring 2
RECREATIONAL
IMPOUNDMENTS

Passive recreation Secondary pH weekly Surface films absent. Consider nutrient status reo
Ornamental waterbodies with no contact SS weekly risk of eutrophication.
And
Restrictions on access.
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
<1000 cfu /1 00m14 Disinfection systems daily6

ENVIRONMENTAL

Stream augmentation Secondary (Site Site specific Site specific depending on water Receiving water quality requirements to be
specific) quality requirement considered. State Health and Environment
regulations apply. Temperature controls. Consider
nutrient status reo risk of eutrophication.
And
Pathogen reductionS
(Site specific)
INDUSTRIAL

Closed system Process specific Site specific Site specific depending on water Additional treatment by user to prevent scaling,
Cooling water quality requirement and end use corrosion, biological growth, fouling and foaming.

Open system Secondary Site specific pH weekly, BOD weekly, SS weekly Additional treatment by user to prevent scaling,
. Human contact possible corrosion, biological growth, fouling and foaming .
Mines, dust suppression
And
Windblown spray minimised.
Pathogen reductionS Thermotolerant coliforms 3 Thermotolerant coliforms 3 weekly
<1000 cfu /1 00ml 4 Disinfection systems daily6

30
NOTES TO TABLE 3

1. Reclaimed water quality refers to the quality of water following treatment appropriate
for a particular application and prior to mixing with the receiving waters.

2. Monitoring demonstrates reclaimed water quality at the point qf supply rather than at
the treatment plant. In most cases this will be the point of entry to the reclaimed water
reticulation system or other suitable representative sampling location.

3. Thermotolerant coliforms. Refer to Glossary.

4. Median value. Refer to Section 3.5.1 Statistical treatment of data.

5. Pathogen reduction beyond secondary treatment may be accomplished by disinfection

ego chlorine, or by detention ego ponds or lagoons. Systems using detention only do not
provide reduction of thermotolerant coliform counts to < 10 per 100mL and are
unsuitable as the sole means of pathogen reduction for high contact uses.

6. Disinfection systems refer to chlorination, ultraviolet irradiation or other disinfection

systems. Monitoring requirements include such measures as checking chlorine residual
or operational checking of UV equipment. Monitoring frequencies do not apply to
pond or lagoon systems.

7. 90% compliance for samples.

8. Helminths controls include measures such as removal by treatment, veterinary

inspection, cattle husbandry and/or a withholding period prior to grazing.

9. Limit met prior to disinfection. 24 hour mean value. 5 NTU maximum value not to be
exceeded.

10. Total Chlorine Residual after a minimum contact time of 30 minutes.

31
Because agricultural and municipal irrigation schemes comprise the most common use of
reclaimed water, some broad principles of reclaimed water irrigation practice are included
here.

Traditionally, the philosophy underpinning land application of reclaimed water has been to
focus on disposal of large volumes with a minimum of adverse effects. Treated reclaimed
water is now widely regarded as a resource available for use, rather than a waste requiring
disposal. As a general principle, the beneficial uses should be encouraged where it is safe,
practicable and economic to do so, and where they provide the best environmental outcome.

To achieve an ecologically sustainable agronomic system, best management practices must be

adopted in the planning, design, construction, ongoing operation and management of
reclaimed water irrigation schemes.

Schemes should comply with the objectives of ecological sustainability in an'irrigation system
- resource utilisation, protection of lands, protection of groundwaters, protection of surface
waters, and community amenity. Ongoing monitoring and progressive modification should be
integral components of any reclaimed water irrigation plan enabling:

(8 correction of any design flaws and deficiencies;

system adjustments based on more complete site information as it becomes available;
(8 accommodation of appropriate new technologies; and
(8 change in operational parameters over time.

Subject to certain treatment, operation, management and pollution control requirements,

secondary treated reclaimed water may be used productively for:

(8 municipal landscape watering;

(8 irrigation of pasture, turf, crops, gardens, orchards, vineyards and forests; and
(8 watering of golf courses, race courses, community recreation facilities and land
rehabilitation areas .

. Further information on the use of treated effluent and requirement for statuatory approvals, is
available from relevant State and Territory authorities (ACT Government, 1999; DRS and
EPA, 1999; ERPD, 1996; EPA Vic 1992; EPA NSW 1995; NSW Recycled Water Co-
ordination Committee, 1993). Note that these guidelines do not necessarily assure protection
of groundwater.

Some important environmental criteria in the evaluation of a site for a reclaimed water
irrigation scheme are:

(8 consideration of low application rates, in proportion to total irrigation, for uses in near
pristine environment (Hayes and deW alle, 1993)
(8 the availability of sufficient land to accommodate any necessary storage requirements;
(8 the quality of underlying water in any unconfined aquifer;

32
 the crop cultivation area to be irrigated; and
any additional statutory land requirements.

Other important issues associated with the assessment of a proposed irrigation site are:

• climate;
• site topography;
• soil type, drainage, physico-chemical characteristics and depth;
• geologic formations;
• proximity to watercourses and groundwater wells;
• groundwater levels;
• flood potential;
• erosion control;
• land for storage;
• proximity to dwellings and public roads;
reclaimed water quality;
• species of vegetation to be grown;
cost; and
• public health considerations;
o potential for human exposure;
o potential for generation of aerosols and drift to more distant locations.
Reclaimed water should be applied to the site by methods other than flood or furrow irrigation
as these techniques may result in over-application and resulting unintended environmental
impacts. Use of 'spray irrigation' can take many forms. Spray irrigation systems range from
high-pressure sprays with high aerosolisation and a broad sweep, to downward-pointing
nozzle type sprays which generate minimal spray drift and aerosolisation. Protection (buffer)
zones are required as indicated under 'Safeguards and Controls', and should be matched to the
extent of likely spray drift (Eden, 1996).

For a reclaimed water irrigation scheme to be ecologically ~ustainable, it is important that the
agronomic system does not become stressed by excessive hydraulic, organic or nutrient
loading.

The characteristics of soils, groundwater and surface water should be clearly established at the
beginning of the project as they will later. serve as baseline data for assessing the scheme's
performance.

A soil profile examination should be undertaken for features that can affect:

• water-storage capacity;
• soil drainage;
• nutrient uptake;
• aeration; and
• development of root systems.

Leaching of lower quality water to groundwater is a particular concern but in some cases can
be controlled by careful design of effluent irrigation rates and attention to harvesting and
removing vegetation from the site. Measures to protect groundwater quality will be more
onerous where the ambient groundwater quality is capable of providing drinking water

33
supplies or sustains ecosystems. Once contaminated, clean up of groundwater may not be
possible or is very expensive.

In design of the system, reclaimed water requirements should be calculated on a monthly basis
to ensure:

II the correct amount of reclaimed water is applied at the right time to prevent salt
accumulation in the root zone, to prevent excessive leaching of nitrate and salt, and to
meet crop requirements; and
II climatic variations within the year are taken into account.

The water balance equation requires design runoff to be zero, therefore the amount of
reclaimed water applied plus precipitation should approximately equal the amount of water
lost due to evapotranspiration. Irrespective of the maximum design application rate, it is
essential that reclaimed water irrigation be done only under dry weather conditions and
regular inspections be undertaken to ensure ponding or runoff does not occur. This obviously
does not apply where runoff occurs into the normal discharge point. Runoff from an irrigated
site may occur after rainfall. Schemes should be examined on a case by case basis to ensure
that runoff does not degrade the local environment. Percolation of nitrogen and salt in
irrigation waters below the root zone should be minimised to avoid groundwater
contamination.

A limited amount of percolation is required to prevent salt accumulation in topsoil. Where this
requirement is provided from rainfall, design percolation should be assumed to be zero but
will inevitably occur. Where rainfall is insufficient to leach accumulated salts from the
topsoil, design percolation below the root zone should be limited to the amount necessary to
prevent salt accumulation. The amount of water and concentrations of salt and nitrate leached
should be estimated at design stage and monitored during operation of the site.

Temporary storage of reclaimed water is necessary in almost all land application systems to
prevent runoff and hydraulic overloading during periods when irrigation is not appropriate,
such as extended periods of rain. Storage requirements may be determined from an analysis of
water balances based on historical rainfall and evaporation data. System backup and flow
equalisation should also be considered. It is important that excavated storage structures are
adequately lined to prevent the seepage of reclaimed water and the consequent pollution of
groundwaters.

When the system's design capacity is exceeded, overflows from the storage facility may be
necessary. Overflows should be limited to times of high rainfall when flows in receiving
waters are greatest. System overflows should be directed to the environment via a properly
constructed and controlled licensed overflow point.

Organic matter contained within reclaimed water may increase soil fertility and improve site
vegetative cover. The average maximum daily organic loading rate at an application site may
be calculated from the hydraulic loading rate and the organic content (BOD) in the applied
reclaimed water.

Over-application may lead to:

II detectable impacts on surface and groundwater (Hayes and deW alle, 1993)
II waterlogging;
II accumulation of unstabilised solids; and

34
., progressive changes in soil structure associated with increasingly anaerobic conditions.

The quantity of reclaimed water applied in a given area may also be limited by the loading
rates of nutrients. To determine the nutrient balance at a site, compare the amount of the
specific nutrient to be applied with that expected to be taken up by biological or physical
processes within the crop/soil system used.

Consideration should be given to land use after irrigation with reclaimed water has ceased as
the soil may be enriched with nutrients capable of mineralising and leaching, especially after
tillage.

5.3
Although reclaimed water can supply most of the nutrients essential for healthy plant growth,
imbalances can occur. Soil and crop analyses may be undertaken to diagnose nutritional
disorders and to determine any corrective action needed. These analyses and calculations
should be undertaken prior to irrigation.

Nutrients not removed from the site by harvest of vegetation or plant products may
accumulate in the system, becoming a potential pollution source for surface and
groundwaters.Physical and chemical soil reactions which constitute significant phosphorus
removal pathways are not necessarily renewable. The useable lifetime of an irrigation site
therefore depends on the soil's phosphorus absorption capacity.

The chemical quality of water used for irrigation is of importance. Crop damage may result
from the presence of toxic ions taken up by roots and accumulated in leaves. Chloride, sodium
and boron ions, sodicity (sodium adsorption ratio) and alkalinity can cause problems reducing
crop yields. Infiltration characteristics of soils can be adversely affected.

Water quality should be compatible with the irrigation application envisaged. Crops are
classified according to salt tolerance and will suffer a reduction in yield when irrigated with
waters of salinity higher than the recommended range. See Table 4 for salinity guidelines.

Increasing salt loads into the sewerage system will limit reuse opportunities by degrading
reclaimed water quality.

Some reclaimed water may contain contaminants, notably heavy metals and chlorinated
organic compounds, which typically concentrate in soil. High concentrations of chemical
contaminants in topsoil can cause toxicity and introduce unacceptably high residual
concentrations in plants, animals and humans.

Solids which could block sprays should be removed by screening, straining, filtration or other
appropriate treatment.

Organic content such as algae present in reclaimed water can decompose on prolonged
detention in irrigation systems resulting in foul odours and negative perceptions. This can be
overcome by periodically purging irrigation lines and minimising the time lag between
disinfection and irrigation.

35
Table 4: General guidelines for salinity of irrigation water

Class Comment Electrical Total

conductivity Dissolved
(J.lS/cm) Solids
(mgli)
1 Low-salinity water can be used with most crops on 0-280 0-175
most soils and with all methods of water application
with little likelihood that a salinity problem will
develop. Some leaching is required, but this occurs
under normal irrigation practices except in soils of
extremely low permeability
2 Medium-salinity water can be used if moderate 280-800 175-500
leaching occurs. Plants with medium salt tolerance can
be grown, usually without special measures for salinity
control. Sprinkler irrigation with the more-saline
waters in this group may cause leaf scorch on salt-
sensitive crops, especially at high temperatures in the
daytime and with low application rates
3 High-salinity water cannot be used on soils with 800-2,300 500-1,500
restricted drainage. Even with adequate drainage,
special management for salinity control may be
required and the salt tolerance of the plants to be
irrigated must be considered.
4 Very high-salinity water is not suitable for irrigation 2,300-5,500 1,500-3,500
water under ordinary conditions. For use, soils must be
permeable, drainage adequate, water must be applied
in excess to provide considerable leaching and salt-
tolerant crops should be selected.
5 Extremely high-salinity water may be used only on >5,500 >3,500
permeable, well-drained soils under good management,
especially in relation to leaching and for salt-tolerant
crops, or for occasional emergency use

(NWQMS Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (Appendix 1))

The water-loading rate is dependent on the type of crop. Where the reclaimed water contains a
high concentration of nitrogen that the crop cannot absorb, the nutrient loading rate may
become limiting. Design equations can be used to determine which area to irrigate.

issues
Irrigation systems should be functional, reliable and straightforward to operate and maintain.
They should be designed to allow system adjustments in response to variations in reclaimed
water and vegetation characteristics, soil and weather conditions, and other parameters.

The operation of a reclaimed water irrigation facility should be clearly defined in a procedures
manual that addresses:

• prevention of surface water and groundwater pollution;

• maintenance of soil quality with respect to organic, nutrient and contaminant loading; and
• maintenance of community amenity.

36
A key control in any reclaimed water irrigation proposal is that stormwater runoff which has
passed over the irrigation site be prevented from polluting surface waters. Runoff control
measures should prevent:

• uncontaminated runoff from entering the irrigation area, by the use of diversion measures;
and
• contaminated runoff from the irrigation site from entering surface waters, by the use of
collection and storage systems.

In most projects, an ongoing monitoring program will be needed to measure the various
reclaimed water components, their uptake in crops and subsequent removal at harvest, and
their accumulation in the soil and groundwater beneath the site and downgradient.

Where applicable, it may be necessary to monitor groundwater and surface waters upstream
and downstream of the irrigation site and to periodically determine the total load of reclaimed
water constituents introduced to the irrigated area.

The monitoring program should provide the operator with early warning of soil deterioration
and pollution of groundwaters or surface waters. This should include monitoring of leachate
below the root zone and will enable introduction of appropriate control measures to arrest the
situation and prevent further deterioration of land and water quality.

A site management plan should provide a comprehensive guide to the entire facility and
include:

site selection;
• reclaimed water transport;
• storage arrangements;
• maximum loading rates;
• the irrigation system and its management, including operation and maintenance;
• soil erosion control;
• stormwater control arrangements;
• cropping practices for nutrient utilisation;
• irrigation scheduling;
• monitoring and control systems; and
statutory requirements relating to the protection of the environment and public health.

A comprehensive schematic diagram of system controls, together with a clear description of

an control systems should be included in an operation and maintenance manual. State and
Territory authorities may require additional warning signs wherever reclaimed water is used,
restrictions of use or of public access, limits on irrigation times, wider buffer zones, longer
withholding periods, specific irrigation controls for each use, or additional requirements for
irrigation management plans (ACT Government, 1999; DRS and EPA, 1999; ERPD, 1996).

A management plan and monitoring program should be introduced for reservoir storage of
reclaimed water, when permanent storage is an integral part of any irrigation scheme. The
monitoring program should include measurements from different locations around reservoirs,
analyses of stratification, use of destratification techniques for reducing algae and other
problems (Hayes and deWalle, 1993). Water impoundments, reservoirs and ponding can be
sources of water-based diseases and insect vectors that can have a significant health impact.
These diseases and organisms are controlled by appropriate management plans, and include

37
Schistosomiasis which could become important in Australia's north in the future, hookworm,
intestinal roundworm, and mosquitoes (agents of arbovirus and other diseases) (Rowe and
Abdel-Magid, 1995a, EHPD, 1996).

38
 1:

Policies and Process for Water Quality Management

1 Water Quality Management - An Outline of the Policies

2 Policies and Principles - A Reference Document
3 Implementation Guidelines

Water Quality Benchmarks

4 Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters

5 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines - Summary
6 Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
7 Guidelines for Water Quality Monitoring & Reporting

Groundwater Management

8 Guidelines for Groundwater Protection

Guidelines for Diffuse and Point Sources

9 Rural Land Uses and Water Quality

10 Guidelines for Urban Stormwater Management
11 Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Effluent Management
12 Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Acceptance of Trade Waste (Industrial Waste)
13 Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Sludge (Biosolids) Management
14 Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Reclaimed Water
15 Guidelines for Sewerage Systems - Sewerage System Overflows
16a Effluent Management Guidelines for Dairies Sheds
16b Effluent Management Guidelines for Dairy Processing Plants
17 Effluent Management Guidelines for Intensive Piggeries
18 Effluent Management Guidelines for Aqueous Wool Scouring and carbonising
19 Effluent Management Guidelines for Tanning and Related Industries in Australia
20 Effluent Management Guidelines for Australian Wineries and Distilleries

39
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45
abstraction point Point in a river or water storage where water is withdrawn for
subsequent treatment for potable use.

activated carbon (AC) Adsorptive carbon particles or granules which possess a high
capacity to remove trace and soluble components from solution.

activated sludge A sludge made by continuous recirculation of the solids from the
secondary sedimentation tank to the aeration tank, thus acquiring
many useful aerobic bacteria.

adsorption The adherence of gas, liquid or solute to the surface of a solid.

becquerel (Bq) Unit of radioactivity (1Bq = 2.7 xl0-ll Ci).

beneficial use A use of the environment or any element or segment of the

environment that is conducive to public benefit, welfare, safety,
health or aesthetic enjoyment.

biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) A measure of the amount of oxygen used in the
biochemical oxidation of organic matter, over a given time and
at a given temperature; it is determined entirely by the
availability of the material as a biological food and by the
amount of oxygen used by the micro-organisms during
oxidation.

BODS BOD determined by standard test (5 days at 20 0 C).

chemical oxygen demand (COD) A measure of the amount of oxygen used in the chemical
oxidation of carbonaceous organic matter in wastewater using
dichromate or permanganate salts as oxidants in a two hour test.

chlorination The application of chlorine or chlorine compounds to water or

wastewater, usually for the purpose of pathogen reduction, but
often to provide chemical oxidation and odour control.

cfu colony forming unit

coagulation The aggregation of very small suspended particles «0.1mm)

into small visible particles (0.1-1 mm) by adding a chemical
coagulant.

controlled access The limitation of public access to sites so as to minimise the

likelihood of direct physical contact with reclaimed water.

conventional filtration The process of passing wastewater through a bed of granular

media ego sand and anthracite to remove particulate matter.

denitrification The anaerobic biological reduction of nitrate nitrogen to nitrogen

gas.

46
direct potable reclamation The derivation of drinking water directly from wastewater
without an intermediate stage of storage or mixing with surface
or groundwater.

domestic wastewater Wastewater derived principally from dwellings, business

buildings, institutions and the like. It mayor may not contain
groundwater, surface water or stormwater.

drinking water See potable water.

electrical conductivity (EC) Measure of electrical transmission. Measured in siemens per

metre (S/m), f.lS/cm or ohm-l per metre (SI units). Formerly
measured in mhos per metre (mhos/m).

effluent Treated or untreated wastewater flowing out of a treatment plant

or transfer system.

ensiling Process for preservation of animal fodder crops by storage in

silos, pits or trenches with exclusion of air.

filter A device or structure for removing solid or colloidal material

from water, wastewater or other liquid.

furrow irrigation A method of irrigation whereby water is applied via small

ditches or furrows which lead from the supply channel, thus
wetting only part of the ground surface.

geometric mean Of n positive numbers, the nth root of their product (the root, to
the total number of observations of the product obtained by
multiplying them all together).

greywater Domestic wastewater excluding toilet wastes.

groundwater Sub-surface water from which wells or springs are fed; strictly,
the term applies only to water below the water table.

groundwater recharge Replenishing of groundwater naturally by precipitation or

runoff, or artificially by spreading or injection.

guideline Numerical concentration or narrative statement recommended to

support or maintain a designated water use.

helminth A worm; the helminths discussed in this document are parasitic

worms.

high contact Activities which provide a high likelihood of direct public

contact with reclaimed water .eg. urban residential garden
watering.

indirect potable The derivation of drinking water from surface or groundwater

reclamation containing some proportion of treated wastewater.

47
industrial wastewater Wastewater derived from industrial sources or processes.

lagoon Any large pond or holding used to contain wastewater while

sedimentation and biological oxidation occur.

low contact Activities which provide minimal opportunities for direct public
contact with reclaimed water ego irrigation of open spaces with
controlled public access.

mean The arithmetic average obtained by adding quantities and

dividing the sum by the number of quantities.

median In a set of observations ordered by value, the central or middle

value obtained by dividing the set into two equal parts.

membrane filtration Techniques such as microfiltration (see below), nanofiltration

and reverse osmosis are tertiary treatment processes used to
produce high grade effluent for specific purposes.

microfiltration The process of passing wastewater through porous membranes

in the form of sheets or tubes to remove suspended and
particulate material. Pore sizes can be very small and particles
down to 0.2 microns can be retained.

mode Most frequently occurring number.

nematode A roundworm of the class Nematoda, e.g. Ascaris.

nitrification The oxidation of ammonia nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen in

wastewater by biological means.

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units. See turbidity.

oxidation ditch A secondary wastewater treatment facility that uses an oval

channel with a rotor placed across it to provide aeration and
circulation. The screened wastewater in the ditch is aerated by
the rotor and circulated at around 0.5 metres per second.

A measure of the hydrogen-ion concentration in a solution. On

the pH scale of 0-14, a value of 7 represents a neutral condition;
decreasing values, below 7, indicate increasing hydrogen-ion
concentration (acidity); and increasing values, above 7, indicate
decreasing hydrogen-ion concentration (alkalinity).

ponds In the context of wastewater, ponds are bodies of water which

are usually connected in series, used for the treatment of
wastewater.

potable water Water suitable on the basis of both health and aesthetic
considerations for drinking or culinary purposes.

48
primary sedimentation Initial treatment of wastewater involving screening and
(primary treatment) sedimentation to remove solids.

raw water Surface water or groundwater that is available as a source for

drinking water but has not yet received any treatment.

reclaimed water Water derived from wastewater and treated to a level appropriate
for its intended application.

recycle To return water for further use after some type of treatment.

refractory A stable material difficult to convert or to remove entirely from

wastewater.

reverse osmosis An advanced method of wastewater treatment which relies on a

semipermeable membrane to separate water from its impurities.

reuse The utilisation of appropriately treated wastewater for some

further beneficial purpose.

risk, actual Probability that an individual will develop a particular disease

over a specified period.

risk, potential The chance that an infection or disease might occur which does
not occur at present.

secondary effluent The liquid portion of wastewater leaving secondary treatment.

secondary treatment Generally, a level of treatment that removes 85 per cent of BOD
and suspended solids, generally by biological or chemical
treatment processes. Secondary effluent generally has BOD
< 30 mg/L, SS < 30 mg/L but may rise to > 100 due to algal
solids in lagoon or pond systems.

sewage See wastewater.

sodium absorption ratio An expression of the relative activity of sodium ions in exchange
reactions with soil, indicating the sodium or alkali hazard to the
soil. It is calculated from the expression SAR = Na+/[1I2(Ca 2+
+Mg 2+ )] Y2. Here concentrations are in meq/l.

spray irrigation Water is applied to the plants and soil by spraying, usually from
pipes with fixed or moving spray nozzles.

SS Suspended solids.

standard An objective that is recognised in enforceable environmental

control laws of a level of government.

tertiary treatment Includes treatment processes beyond secondary or biological

processes which further improve effluent quality. Tertiary
treatment processes include detention in lagoons, conventional

49
 filtration via sand, dual media or membrane filters which may
include coagulant dosing and land based or wetland processes.

thermotolerant coliforms Also known as faecal coliforms. A subset of coliforms found in

the intestinal tract of humans and other warm blooded animals
which can ferment lactose at 44° to 44.5°C to produce acid and
gas. Consist chiefly of E. coli They are used as indicators of
faecal pollution.

total coliforms Coliform organisms are used as indicators of faecal

contamination of water. They are Gram-negative non-sporing
rod-shaped bacteria capable of aerobic and facultatively
anaerobic growth in the presence of bile salts and ferment
lactose producing acid and gas within 48 hours at 35 - 37°C.

trematode Flatworms of the class Trematoda, including parasitic worms

called flukes. Trematodes of importance medically have
intermediate stages in snails, e.g. Schistosoma.

trickle irrigation A method of directly applying water at low rates of flow and
pressure to soil around the plant roots.

turbidity A condition in water or wastewater caused by the presence of

suspended matter, resulting in the scattering and absorption of
light; any suspended solids imparting a visible haze or
cloudiness to water, which can be removed by filtration; an
analytical quantity usually reported in nephelometric turbidity
units (NTU) determined by measurements of light scattering.

uncontrolled access Public access to sites so that direct physical contact with
reclaimed water is possible.

waste stabilisation ponds A type of oxidation pond in which organic matter is biologically
oxidised by natural or artificially accelerated transfer of oxygen
to the water from air.

wastewater The used water of a community or industry, containing

dissolved and suspended matter.

50