Blackwater Reuse
Blackwater Reuse
During long droughts there is an ongoing water source available in our sewer systems. At the Planetary Health Centre we are exploring ways we can emulate natural systems and reuse blackwater to minimise the impact of drought and fire.
Managing waste water is important for the health and safety of our community and environment. Untreated waste water has the potential to contaminate groundwater and surface water can degrade soils and vegetation. Find out more about grey water, connecting to the sewer, protecting ground water and types of waste water systems at Blue Mountains City Council’s website here
Below you can also read examples of Blue Mountains residents who are reusing their blackwater.
Blackwater (Wastewater) Recycling
Andrew Bovis from Integrated Water Solutions gave a presentation at the Future Proofing with Circular Water Symposium looking at the history of blackwater reuse in Australia and the opportunities for implementing small scale blackwater reuse to provide water for fighting fire in the Blue Mountains.
Fuji Clean waste management system
The Merciecas in Yellow Rock have maximised water availability to reduce the risk of fire and extreme weather events with a 120,000L water tank buried under the firepit circle; grey water for the garden; and black water treated by a Fuji Clean waste management system. It uses a combination of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria and mechanical digestion processes. Read more in Springwood Area Local News here
Blackwater and Greywater Recycling to Reduce Fire Risk
Andy at Mount Victoria explains how his greywater recycling and his digestive Ecomax blackwater recycling system helped protect his property from fire.
Replacing a Septic System with a Mini Wet Worm System
Jonathan Drew in Glenbrook converted his septic system into a wet worm farm – a worm-based disposal system. The water and waste material goes to the top of the pile, the water filters through and then the worms go to work and consume the solid waste which adds to the compost pile. In a simple and efficient way, the water drains off the bottom and is pumped to wherever it’s needed.