Sewer the Penshurst township via 12 cluster sewerage precincts and treated recycled water, irrigated via subsurface irrigation. To test the effectiveness and suitability of the Penshurst Recycled Water Scheme, a pilot project is proposed where two precincts are to be chosen to develop a proof of concept and adaptive pathways approach to wastewater management.
The Penshurst Recycled Water Scheme is a neighbourhood-scale solution that divides 270 properties across Penshurst into 12 precincts based on topography and the nature of the land use. For each precinct, existing onsite systems would be decommissioned, and separate gravity all-waste sewers would be installed. These sewers would direct raw sewage from properties to a local precinct water recycling system, which would conduct primary treatment of wastewater, then disposal through evapotranspiration “pods”. These natural pod systems provide further treatment in the soil and allow water to be taken up by plants and evaporated. They also allow water to be stored within the pods during cooler, wetter periods.
Recycled water can be stored for public irrigation of open spaces when necessary, such as during warmer months. This open space irrigation would occur underground, via sub-surface drippers.
To find out more about the the Wastewater Management and water recycling system project and how you can take part, refer to the downloadable files below.