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A more efficient way of managing wastewater will help South Australian rural towns save money and increase the amount of reclaimed water for use in the community and environment. A Flinders University study over the past 10 years has led research into the use of high rate algal pond systems (HRAP) for treating wastewater. Professor Howard Fallowfield said the research confirmed the new HRAP system was smaller, faster and more effective than any usual conventional system. “These sustainable, low-energy systems are cost effective to run, and the capital cost of construction is also about 40 per cent of the previous system for effluent-only schemes, and marginally higher for blackwater schemes," he said. Extensive testing of the HRAP system was held in a side-by-side trial at the Kingston-on-Murray site, which is under the direction of the Loxton-Waikerie District Council. Prof Fallowfield said the study demonstrated the new system was a viable alternative to waste stabilisation ponds. “While a conventional system requires 66 days to treat the wastewater, HRAPs can perform a similar level of treatment in 5-10 days," he said. "Its ability to remove pathogens is equal to, or better than, existing wastewater systems.” He said there was a substantial reduction in the size of the operation compared to conventional systems which would benefit non-sewered rural communities. In 2016, the HRAP treatment system was accepted by the SA Department of Health Wastewater Management Group for consideration as an alternative to existing passive lagoon systems for use in South Australia.

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New efficient wastewater system good for rural towns