General News
15 February, 2025
Recycled water boost for crop research and green spaces
Horsham now has new water recyling infrastructure which will provide more recycled water to the region, helping parks and gardens stay green and also supporting agricultural research.
It was announced on Monday by the government that the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project is now completed.
“This sustainable water project will ensure our important local parks and fields will continue to stay green and thrive year-round without using our precious drinking water," Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said.
The project included construction of a new network of pipes through the city of Horsham, with connections to green spaces such as parks, ovals, the cemetery and the racecourse, providing up to 126 megalitres of recycled water for irrigation per year, reducing the need to use valuable drinking water.
“Integrated Water Management Projects like this are crucial to diversify our water sources and secure sustainable water supplies for our growing communities and towns in the Wimmera," Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said.
Researchers at the Horsham SmartFarm now has access to better quality water for research to irrigate their crops thanks to the installation of a reverse osmosis plant and allows them to conduct field experiments to improve profitability, productivity and sustainability of crop production.
Purified wastewater will be used to irrigate more than 50 hectares of grain, oilseed and legume crops.
The two projects were jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments.