February 24th, 2025Recycled water boost for crop research and green spaces

New water recycling infrastructure in Horsham will help parks and gardens stay green and support the state’s agricultural research.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence this month announced the completion of the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project including new water recycling infrastructure at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant providing more recycled water to the region.

Researchers at the Horsham SmartFarm now have access to better quality water for research to irrigate their crops thanks to the installation of a reverse osmosis plant.

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.

More recycled water allows Agriculture Victoria researchers to conduct field experiments to improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of crop production. Purified wastewater will be used to irrigate more than 50 hectares of grain, oilseed and legume crops.

Using more diverse sources of water, such as recycled water, ensures a water supply for open spaces during dry spells, delivers environmental and economic benefits, and bolsters the regions’ long-term water security.

The two projects were jointly funded by the Victorian and Federal Governments.

This story based on an Agriculture Victoria report