Understanding CWMS retrofitting options

The aim was to identify solutions that support more sustainable, efficient infrastructure management for current needs and future growth.

Who this is for

This project benefits councils, communities and the environment.

What's being delivered

• Assessment to determine the viability and cost-effectiveness of retrofitting options for existing CWMS.
• Continuous engagement with Yorke Peninsula to collect cost savings data over the 12 months post retrofitting.

About the project

The project delivered a strategic review of Yorke Peninsula Council's community wastewater management systems.

Out of the 18 CWMS networks across Yorke Peninsula Council, a shortlist of 3 priority sites were selected. These were:

• Rogues Point
• Sultana Point and Edithburgh (combined CWMS)
• Chinaman Wells.

Detailed assessments were completed for these sites. The assessments included comprehensive cost analyses based on council data, and full Land Capability Assessments (LCAs) of site soils. This was to determine each location’s suitability for a passive retrofit conversion and system upgrade possibilities.

A performance matrix was developed for each site. These detailed capital and operating costs as well as scalability considerations.

Findings and outcomes

The project found that council CWMS were largely under-loaded. And LCA results showed that soils at the priority sites were suitable for retrofitting with alternate sub-surface passive wastewater treatment and disposal solutions.

Reduced operating costs were estimated across the priority sites for a passive treatment system retrofit. Additional treatment capacity gains could also be realised by this retrofit conversion using existing treatment tank infrastructure.

The project highlighted the potential for cost savings and increased capacity achieved by converting existing mechanical aerobic wastewater treatment plants to passive treatment systems.

Final project report

View the CWMS Retrofitting Final Project Report (PDF 9.3 MB).

Project funding

This project was funded through the Community Wastewater Innovation Fund.

This scheme allocates funding to projects to support innovation within the CWMS sector. Successful applicants are decided through an annual grant round.