Conference Papers | 2005 Victorian Conference Papers

RECLAIMED WATER IRRIGATION – A RISK BASED APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT
Anna Kelliher, Senior Consultant, RMCG

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Using reclaimed water for irrigation has numerous benefits and risks associated with it. The most successful schemes have the highest benefits with the risks well managed.

There is not a single recipe that can be applied across all situations. Practices used at one site may appear less sophisticated, or use a more basic level of technology than another. However, both sites may be using best practice for their situation.

Best practice is one that ensures the level of risk and level of difficulty for a particular site is managed appropriately so that the desired outcome is achieved. Consequently practices for high-risk situations are much more demanding than for low-risk scenarios.

Risks associated with reclaimed water irrigation vary according to:
• The quality and quantity of reclaimed water available;
• The physical characteristics of the site being irrigated;
• The irrigation system used;
• The type of plant being irrigated; and
• The management system in place.

Generally high-risk scenarios are to be avoided and methods available to reduce risk should be implemented. However for any changes identified the impact on social and economic benefits must be considered. The overall benefit, in a triple-bottom line sense, may mean that operating at a higher risk level is preferable.

The Victorian EPA Guidelines for Reclaimed Water Irrigation are in the process of being updated. They will take a risk-based approach similar to that outlined.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

RM Consulting Group (RMCG) are industry experts in recycled water irrigation, working with community, government and industry to produce sustainable, viable and practical outcomes for use of recycled water. Our services include site investigation, environmental assessment, feasibility studies, irrigation design, implementation and monitoring.

Recently RMCG have been involved in development of EPA Draft Publication 168a Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines for Reclaimed Water Irrigation (2004). These guidelines take a risk-based approach to site selection and management of reclaimed water irrigation.

This paper will look at examples of high and low risk and the associated management practices, based on RMCG’s experience developing the EPA guidelines and our involvement in reclaimed water irrigation at over 50 sites across Victoria.