Yarra Valley Water has taken a major step towards expanding recycled water supplies in Melbourne’s growing north, with the upgrade of its recycled water treatment facility in Wollert moving into the early design phase.

The new purpose-built facility will increase treatment capacity from 2.9 million litres per day to 10 million litres per day, supporting anticipated housing growth over the next two decades while reducing demand on Melbourne’s drinking water supplies.

Following a competitive tender process, John Holland has been appointed to deliver the project’s early design phase under a contract valued at approximately $3.3m.

Yarra Valley Water general manager asset services Bridie Fennessy said the project represented an important investment in infrastructure to support future communities and promote more sustainable water use as Melbourne’s north continues to grow rapidly.

“Moving into the early design phase is a significant milestone that will help ensure we can continue providing reliable recycled water services for growing communities, reducing demand on Melbourne’s drinking water supplies and supporting more sustainable water use,” Fennessy said.

“Our existing Wollert plant has served the community for more than 15 years. This upgrade will significantly increase its capacity so it can continue supporting growth for decades to come,” Fennessy noted. “John Holland brings strong technical expertise in delivering major infrastructure projects, and we’re pleased to work in partnership on such an important facility. Their appointment to lead the early design will help shape a modern, efficient facility that supports future growth and long-term reliability.”

John Holland executive general manager infrastructure Andy Hunter said the delivery team looked forward to working with Yarra Valley Water on the project. “We are looking forward to working closely with Yarra Valley Water to deliver an innovative recycled water facility that will support this growing community,” Hunter said. “John Holland brings a deep legacy and expertise in Class A treatment projects that help new communities thrive from day one.”

The upgraded facility will be built alongside the existing treatment plant in Wollert, which will continue operating throughout the design and construction phases to ensure uninterrupted recycled water services.

Once commissioned, the upgraded facility will support the supply of recycled water to all new homes in the Northern Growth Area that are connected to the recycled water network.

Recycled water can help households reduce their drinking water use by around 25% by supplying water for toilet flushing, garden watering, car washing and laundry.

Using recycled water for these everyday purposes helps preserve Melbourne’s high-quality drinking water supplies for where they are needed most.

With the tender now awarded, the project will move into the early design phase, with the new facility expected to be commissioned in approximately four years.