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Treated blackwater re-use trials 1

Treated blackwater re-use trials A guide for the re-use of treated blackwater in sewered areas in South East Queensland

2 Treated blackwater re-use trials

Contents Introduction.......................................................................................................................... 3 Research objectives.............................................................................................................. 3 Aim of this guideline............................................................................................................. 4 1. Application, assessment and approval process.................................................................. 5

1.1 Applicant suitability ...................................................................................................... 5 1.2 Expressions of interest ................................................................................................. 6 1.3 Application assessment and initial approval ................................................................ 6 1.4 Installation approval..................................................................................................... 6

2. Design, validation and verification .................................................................................... 7 2.1 Design of treatment plant ............................................................................................. 7 2.2 Validation and verification ........................................................................................... 7 2.3 Pre-commissioning validation ...................................................................................... 7 2.4 Commissioning verification.......................................................................................... 9

3. Ongoing control mechanisms...........................................................................................10 3.1 Ongoing reporting........................................................................................................10 3.2 Ongoing water-quality monitoring ...............................................................................10 3.3 Daily operation of the treatment system ......................................................................10 3.4 Critical control points .................................................................................................. 11 3.5 Notification procedure.................................................................................................12 3.6 Signage.......................................................................................................................12 3.7 Use of recycled water ..................................................................................................12 3.8 Storage .......................................................................................................................12 3.9 Prevention of cross-connection and backflow..............................................................13

4. Recycled water treatment system manuals.......................................................................14 4.1 Component and installation manual............................................................................14 4.2 Operation and maintenance manual ...........................................................................14

5. Trial outcome and review .................................................................................................15 6. Treated blackwater re-use trials process ..........................................................................16 Reference list ...................................................................................................................... 17

Appendix 1—Complying with the QPW Code ......................................................................18 Appendix 2—Validation and verification report ................................................................ 20 Appendix 3—Water-quality report......................................................................................21 Appendix 4—Final report .................................................................................................. 22 Appendix 5—Water-quality specifications ........................................................................ 23 Appendix 6—Mandatory requirements for operation and maintenance manuals .............. 24 Appendix 7—Email notification form ................................................................................ 26 Appendix 8—Trial application .......................................................................................... 27 Supporting documentation .............................................................................................. 29


Introduction The treated blackwater re-use trials are designed to help the Queensland Government to develop sustainable water re-use policies. The trials are limited in number and can only be undertaken in certain approved buildings in sewered areas in the South East Queensland region. These buildings are:

• class 2 (multi-unit)

• class 5 (office or commercial)

• class 6 (retail)

• class 9b (educational institution).

Wastewater treatment systems (WTS) can be of any size and are not restricted to systems that cater for 20 or less equivalent people.

These trials are among a range of measures that demonstrate the government’s commitment to water savings—a commitment that is complemented by the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 (PDA) and the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (QPW Code).

The trials also align with the government’s ClimateSmart 2050 strategy, which has been developed to help the state address climate change. Through the ClimateSmart adaptation plan, the Queensland Government is working to secure our future water supply.

Research objectives The overarching objectives of the treated blackwater re-use trials are to:

• gather relevant scientific and social data to help the government make an informed recommendation on whether on-site blackwater treatment and re-use can be permitted in sewered areas within Queensland

• provide the government with the data it needs to assess the feasibility of a regulatory framework for treated blackwater re-use in sewered areas in Queensland. The framework must meet the needs and values of the community and protect public health and safety and the environment.


Aim of this guideline This guideline provides information about using a WTS to produce treated water for re-use in sewered areas during the treated blackwater re-use trials. It should be read in conjunction with:

• the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (QPW Code)

• the Development approval for blackwater re-use trials information sheet, produced by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). This is available online or by contacting DERM Environmental Strategies Unit on (07) 3225 1634.

Blackwater is defined as the waste discharged from the human body into a toilet and water used for the discharge.

The guideline addresses:

• pre-commissioning, which is generally done as part of a feasibility study during the design stage to determine what treatment processes would be required to meet the desired water quality

• commissioning validation, which ensures the equipment in the WTS is operating effectively and ensures removal of hazards from the source water. Validation must be completed and a validation report submitted to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning before recycled water can be re-used on-site

• commissioning verification, which is a type of validation but is distinct from other validation methods because it is done by testing the end-product water (i.e. the recycled water). Commissioning validation is performed to prove that the expected water quality is being produced. This must be done before treated water can be re-used on-site

• ongoing water-quality verification of the water produced by the treatment plant over the life of the plant

• operational information for the WTS to ensure all the performance criteria are addressed during the blackwater re-use trials

• performance criteria and relevant acceptable solutions for each phase of the trial, which are detailed in appendix 1

• a process flowchart indicating when the validation report, water-quality reports and final report are due, which is available in section 6.


1. Application, assessment and approval process

1.1 Applicant suitability Applicants are advised to consider their suitability for participation in the trials independently. In order to be considered suitable for the trials, a site must meet the performance criteria set out in the QPW Code. Applicants must address these performance criteria in an application. A checklist for complying with the QPW Code can be found in appendix 1. This provides detailed information about the performance criteria and should be used as a guide.

As these are not government-funded trials, the Queensland Government will provide no grants or financial assistance to potential applicants. Applicants are therefore advised to assess their own financial position based on the requirements set out in the QPW Code and this guideline. They need to assess the financial viability of the treatment and re-use system at the application stage of the trial and include this with the application form. Financial viability will be re-assessed at the end of the trial and included in the final report. The final report must take into account the savings gained from using less drinking water and the costs associated with running the treatment system.

On gaining approval to participate in a trial, applicants will be required to address further performance criteria—during the validation and operation phases of the trial and throughout the period of use of the recycled water.

The acceptable solutions listed in appendix 1 are suggestions only. Applicants are encouraged to put forward their own acceptable solutions, as long as they can demonstrate that these address the performance criteria.

Applicants will also be required to develop an educational campaign targeting residents and tenants of the trial site. This will explain how the contaminants or chemicals discharged to the WTS may affect the treatment process.

Appendix 1 sets out information relating to contaminants and chemicals.


1.2 Expressions of interest Expressions of interest will be called by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and will be open for a period of three months. Applications must be submitted to the department on the approved form (see appendix 8) and must also contain:

• responses to the performance criteria (see appendix 1)

• in principle approval in writing from the local government authority for the installation of a WTS.

1.3 Application assessment and initial approval The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will acknowledge receipt of applications in writing and forward copies to the multi-agency committee (MAC) within five business days. The MAC will consist of representatives from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, Queensland Health and the Department of Environment and Resource Management.

The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will convene a MAC meeting within 20 business days of the closing date for expressions of interest. Applications under assessment will be discussed at this meeting and a joint decision will be made to determine which proposals will be recommended to the department’s Director-General for approval.

The number of trials approved will be determined by the Director-General of the Department of Infrastructure and Planning in consultation with the directors-general of the other agencies represented.

All applicants will be notified in writing by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Approved applicants will move straight to the ‘Installation approval’ stage.

Applications may be conditionally approved by the MAC. If this occurs, specific conditions will be included in the notification letter sent to the applicant, who will have 14 days to re-submit the proposal.

If an application is refused, an explanation will be provided in a notification letter including the reasons for the refusal.

1.4 Installation approval On receipt of approval notification, participants have six months to install the WTS and obtain the additional plumbing approvals.

Copies of additional approvals must be forwarded to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Applicants who have not completed the WTS installation and obtained the additional approvals within this six-month period will forfeit their participation in the trial.


2. Design, validation and verification 2.1 Design of treatment plant The wastewater treatment system (WTS) must be designed to effectively treat the type of sewage it will receive and produce water that meets the requirements listed in appendix 5.

Appendix 5 may be used in the design of the WTS to treat wastewater generated by a minimum of eight people or a maximum of 20 people. The design loading must be stated.

The system must be designed to last at least 15 years, with a minimum warranty of 12 months, and have parts that are readily accessible and easy to maintain and replace. Apart from mechanical and electrical components, each component of the system should be manufactured to last at least 15 years.

2.2 Validation and verification Once the treatment system is installed and operational, participants have a further six months to validate their WTS. Validation is required to ensure the equipment in the WTS is operating effectively and to ensure that potential hazards have been removed from the source water.

Following validation, participants must complete a validation and verification report (see appendix 2) and forward this to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, which will forward copies to members of the MAC within five business days. The MAC will review the report data and provide a recommendation within 20 business days about approval to use the recycled water.

If approval is refused, MAC will provide the participant with written notification. The participant may address the reasons for refusal and re-submit the report to MAC for reconsideration. If approved, the participant may begin to use the recycled water on-site for the approved uses.

2.3 Pre-commissioning validation

2.3.1 Source water characterisation

The first step in pre-commissioning validation or planning a WTS is to investigate the inputs into the sewerage system. The water in the sewerage system is the source water for the WTS. Sewage may be domestic in nature or may have inputs that change the characteristics of the wastewater. Participants need to collect information on the type of contaminants that are likely to be present in the source water. They should conduct a characterisation study to gain an understanding of the wastewater on-site and determine the type of WTS to use. The treatment processes used by the WTS must be able to remove the known contaminants from the source water. The study must include a desktop audit of the likely inputs to the system and monitoring of the source water. For more information consult the Australian guidelines for water recycling: managing health and environmental risks, phase 1, 2006 (AGWR).

If the inputs to the WTS change during the trial period, water characterisation must be updated.

Further information on possible contaminants and the likely concentrations of micro-organisms, pathogens and chemicals in wastewater may be available from the local council and from guidelines such as the AGWR, 2006. Scientific literature can also provide information on the likely contaminants in the type of sewage generated on-site.


2.3.2 Commissioning validation Once the WTS is built and installed it needs to be validated to ensure it is capable of consistently producing the water quality and meeting the requirements of appendix 5. The WTS must be installed within six months of the start date of the trial. Validation must be completed within 12 months of the start date of the trial. A validation report must be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning before treated water can be used on-site. Several methodologies can be used during the phases of validation. These are described in section 2.3.3. Commissioning verification monitoring is mandatory and must be used in conjunction with one other validation method from each phase.

2.3.3 Validation methods The table below lists validation methods and indicates which method is suitable for each phase of validation. At least one method from each validation phase must be used in the validation of the treatment plant. Commissioning verification monitoring is mandatory.

Validation methods Validation phase Methodology

Mandatory or optional

Scientific literature and historical (e.g. from other

schemes) Pre-commissioning validation

Manufacturer’s specifications

At least one of these methods must be used for pre-

commissioning validation

Indirect monitoring Commissioning validation Manufacturer’s

specifications

At least one of these methods must be used for

commissioning validation

Commissioning verification

Verification monitoring of final water quality

Mandatory

Scientific literature and historical data

Participants can use scientific literature and historical data to support the validation process but cannot solely rely on these. They can use this data as evidence that a particular treatment technology is capable of removing contaminants. All data compiled from the literature must be critically reviewed to ensure it is directly applicable to the treatment process and operating conditions under investigation. The MAC must be satisfied that validation using this method is meaningful.

Manufacturer’s specifications

Participants can use manufacturer’s specifications to support the validation process, but cannot solely rely on these. Any removal rates provided by the manufacturer must be confirmed in the WTS by monitoring before and after treatment. Any reference to scientific data within the manufacturer’s specifications should be obtained in its original form and critically reviewed. Conditions under which experiments are performed must be confirmed to be appropriate for conditions under which the treatment plant in the trial will operate. The MAC must be satisfied that validation using this method is meaningful.


Indirect monitoring

Indirect monitoring involves monitoring some aspect of treated water quality as a surrogate measure of treatment efficiency. Indirect monitoring usually involves the measurement of online parameters such as turbidity, particle counts and conductivity as a surrogate for treatment efficiency. Quality of the water produced must be consistent and largely independent of fluctuations in feed water turbidity or particle levels. A marked decline in treated water quality may indicate a treatment problem.

Indirect monitoring can be used pre and post treatment to provide removal information for a particular treatment barrier. For example, manufacturer’s data may indicate a 95 per cent sodium chloride removal rate for a particular reverse osmosis membrane. Online monitoring of conductivity (as a surrogate) pre and post reverse osmosis filtration can provide information on whether the membranes, as installed in the treatment plant, are achieving this.

The surrogates used for validation using indirect monitoring must provide useful information on the treatment plant validation system. The Recycled water management plan and validation guideline from the Department of Environment and Resource Management (formerly the Department of Natural Resources and Water) can provide additional information on surrogates and indicators, and all validation methods. The MAC must be satisfied that validation using this method is meaningful.

2.4 Commissioning verification Commissioning verification confirms that treatment barriers have adequately removed any chemical and microbial contaminants. Commissioning verification is mandatory and must be used in conjunction with one other validation method from each phase.

A minimum of 20 sampling events must be taken within the first six months following installation of the WTS. Each sampling event must take place on a separate day (though not necessarily on consecutive days) and represent variations in sewage loadings or sewage components. Because samples must be analysed within 24 hours, participants are advised to consider laboratory operating times when taking samples.

Triplicate samples must be taken for Escherichia Coli (E. coli)—i.e. three separate samples must be taken in three separate bottles at the same time. Results must demonstrate compliance with appendix 5 and must be included in appendix 2.


3. Ongoing control mechanisms 3.1 Ongoing reporting Following approval and validation, participants are required to report every three months in accordance with the requirements stated in the water-quality report (see appendix 3). The Department of Infrastructure and Planning will advise the MAC if projects are not on track.

At the end of the trial, participants are required to report against performance criteria listed in the final report in appendix 4.

3.2 Ongoing water-quality monitoring All water produced in the blackwater re-use trials must comply with the water-quality specifications listed in appendix 5. Monitoring frequencies must also be followed—with the exception of total nitrogen, phosphorus, dissolved solids and electrical conductivity. By monitoring these values, participants can research the reduction of nutrients and salts in the types of WTS used during the trials. All parameters in column one of the table in appendix 5 are mandatory.

Water-quality reports must be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning every three months. The first water quality report must be sent three months after the department gives the participants permission to begin using recycled water on-site. Water-quality reports must then be sent every three months until the end of the trial. Milestones detailed in the process chart (section 6) should be used to clarify the timing of the reports.

If a water-quality parameter is exceeded, participants must take a series of follow-up samples with the aim of identifying and rectifying the situation. An initial ‘exceeded-value’ sample (column two of the table in appendix 5) must result in a follow-up sample being taken immediately. In the event that the follow-up sample exceeds the water-quality parameter, a third sample must be taken. The participant would assess the possibility of any operational problems that could be causing the decline in water quality. Water from the system must be disposed of to a sewer until the problem is rectified.

If any sample taken exceeds the maximum value (see column three of appendix 5), participants should inform the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Queensland Health using the email notification form in appendix 7 to note details of the breach. Any other information gathered during the follow-up sample process should be included in the body of the email.

3.3 Daily operation of the treatment system Participants must keep daily records of the amount of recycled water produced and the purpose for which it is used. Records must also be kept of any on-site testing (i.e. chlorine residual) or online monitoring such as turbidity, conductivity or gross gamma radiation. Participants should also record all results received from outside laboratories and check chemical levels (e.g. chlorine) daily to ensure an adequate supply is available.


3.4 Critical control points Appendix 5 lists biological and chemical contaminants that may be found in sewage. These research parameters are to provide additional information on the treatment efficiency of the treatment systems.

Gamma radiation

This is produced by some radiopharmaceuticals, such as Iodine-131, which is used in the treatment of cancer. People undergoing radiotherapy procedures have the potential to excrete material that has high levels of gamma radiation. In normal sewerage systems Iodine-131, which has a half-life of eight days, has decayed sufficiently by the time it reaches a sewage treatment plant. A normal sewerage system also operates with levels of dilution significant enough to keep levels of radiation acceptably low.

Gamma radiation is of particular concern in small-scale, on-site treatment plants. Exposure can occur in a number of ways including:

• ingestion of a radioisotope if there is a cross-connection

• inhalation of volatile radioisotopes in standing water

• external exposure to radiation through pipes or tanks.

Gamma radiation parameters must be carefully monitored during the trial period. The time between the excretion of material, treatment and re-use is short, and small-scale treatment plants do not provide the same dilution as a larger system. This increases the risk of adverse health effects due to radiation exposure.

If water is known or suspected to have a gross radiation level above five bequerel per litre (Bq/L), participants are required to notify the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Queensland Health using the notification form in appendix 7. Water from the system must be disposed of to the sewer until the problem is rectified.

It is a further requirement that gamma radiation monitors be linked to an alarm system. This will alert the operator if water measuring greater than five Bq/L has passed through the treatment plant.

Bacteria

The presence of E.coli is common in faecal matter and acts as an indicator of treatment and disinfection efficiency. Clostridium perfringens is another bacterium that acts as an indicator for protozoa, including Cryptosporidium, because Clostridium is resistant to chlorination.

Bacteriophages is a virus that is specifically parasitic on bacterium, and its concentration indicates virus removal from sewage.

Other research parameters

Turbidity for filtered water systems must also be monitored and linked to an alarm system to alert the operator in the event of a breakdown. Critical control points need to be established for each individual system and must be alarmed. The online gross gamma radiation detector must also be alarmed. All incidents must be recorded in a breakdown register with relevant details.


3.5 Notification procedure Trial participants must keep a register to record all breakdowns that occur. They must record how the breakdown was discovered, reaction times, actions taken to rectify the problem, water-quality results, what the water was used for and how long the operator took to fix the fault.

If a WTS breaks down and/or the water produced does not (or is suspected to not) meet the water-quality specifications in appendix 5, then the water must be disposed of to the sewer. If water-quality results do not meet the requirements of appendix 5 and the water has already been used on-site, participants must notify the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Queensland Health using the email notification in appendix 7.

As mentioned in section 3.4, water containing more than five Bq/L gamma radiation must be disposed of to the sewer and again, participants must notify the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Queensland Health immediately using the email notification form in appendix 7.

3.6 Signage All tanks containing recycled water must be labelled to indicate this (e.g. RECYCLED WATER—DO NOT DRINK). Taps must also be labelled. If taps are in a public area then participants should consider removing the handles of taps when they are not in use.

Pipes used to distribute recycled water, whether above ground or buried, must be distinctively and permanently colour-coded purple in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.1.2003, section 9: Non-drinking water services.

Participants must construct and install water storage tanks in accordance with the Public Health Regulation, 2005, Part 1A, Division 2, to ensure they are not a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

3.7 Use of recycled water Recycled water may be used for the following purposes only:

• toilet flushing

• outdoor open-space irrigation.

Recycled water used for outdoor open-space irrigation must be accompanied by signage that indicates that the water being used is recycled. Irrigation using recycled water must not result in damage to soil structure and there must be no run-off onto neighbouring properties.

Trial participants must ensure that recycled water is used safely and in a manner that does not endanger public health. Workplace health and safety issues must be considered if the trial site is a workplace.

3.8 Storage Water must be stored in an enclosed tank to stop external contaminants, such as dust and animal droppings, from entering the tank. On-site storage of recycled water is allowed for a maximum period of 24 hours without validation. On-site storage times in the validation phase must be the same as the storage times anticipated during the operational part of the trial.

If recycled water needs to be stored for a longer period, then participants must validate the water quality after the extended period of storage. The quality of the stored water must still meet the water-quality specifications in appendix 5. This can be done by proving during the


validation period that storage does not result in reduced water quality. If water in the tank is chlorinated, the chlorination process must be monitored. If stored water no longer meets the specifications in appendix 5, then water from the system must be disposed of to the sewer.

Participants must balance the operation of their WTS in order to keep storage to a minimum. Recycled water must not be used for irrigation purposes during rain periods. If excess water builds up due to rainy conditions, or other reasons, it must be disposed of to the sewer. Run-off onto neighbouring properties must not occur.

3.9 Prevention of cross-connection and backflow Cross-connection control is a critical control point if recycled water is used for toilet flushing, or if plumbing alterations could result in a cross-connection with the drinking water system. AS/NZS 3500.1.2003 must be followed to ensure cross-connection does not occur and methods for detecting cross-connections must be implemented if cross-connections could occur.

Cross-connections can be detected with online conductivity sensors to detect the higher salinity of recycled water, or by adding a colouring or embitterment agent to the recycled water supply. Backflow prevention methods must also be implemented to prevent the accidental ingestion of recycled water.


4. Recycled water treatment system manuals

4.1 Component and installation manual The manufacturer of the WTS must prepare a manual that provides comprehensive and detailed instruction on the installation of the treatment plant. The manual must include the following information:

• off-loading and unpacking instructions, including safety considerations, identification of fragile components and measures to be taken to avoid damage to the treatment plant

• a numbered list of treatment plant components with an accompanying illustration, photograph, or print in which components are respectively identified

• design, construction and material specification for each of the treatment plant components

• a process overview of the function of each component and the expected function of the entire treatment plant when all components are properly assembled and connected

• a clear definition of the treatment plant installation requirements including plumbing and electrical power requirements, ventilation and air intake protection

• wiring schematics for the treatment plant electrical components

• displacement protection, watertightness, slope and miscellaneous fittings and appurtenances

• repair or replacement instructions—in the event that the treatment plant ceases to function properly—and a list of sources for replacement components

• a detailed start-up procedure

• a description of the treatment process that identifies contaminants in the source water and critical control points for monitoring the removal of these contaminants.

4.2 Operation and maintenance manual Risk management is an important part of the production and use of recycled water. An operational manual must describe the production, management and use of recycled water and address all significant risks.

The Australian guidelines for water recycling, Queensland water recycling guideline and the Australian drinking water guidelines currently use a risk management system that is based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. This system identifies critical control points throughout the WTS and employs a multiple-barrier approach.

The HACCP system works as follows:

One of the hazards that occur in blackwater is bacteria. Bacteria can be reduced through filtration and disinfection. Therefore, in the case of a blackwater treatment system, the filtration process and the disinfection process become barriers to bacteria affecting the treatment process.


Filtration and disinfection are also critical control points in the removal of bacteria. Critical control points can be monitored by assigning maximum parameters to a range of hazards and monitoring these to assure the levels in the recycled water falls within these limits.

For example, if filtration is a critical control point, then maximum parameters for turbidity can be used to monitor the effectiveness of filtration. If the upper limit (e.g. 5 NTU) is breached, then the operator knows there is a problem with the filtration system. There will generally be a number of critical control points and treatment barriers to reduce hazards in the water.

5. Trial outcome and review On completion of the trial (three years maximum), the Department of Infrastructure and Planning will convene a meeting of the MAC to review the results from all participants.

Prior to this meeting, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning will formally ask all agency representatives to review the trial results they have received during the course of the trials, with a view to determining whether legislative changes allowing the use of treated blackwater in sewered areas should be progressed.

Each agency will provide a brief to their minister advising of the trial outcomes and the implications of these outcomes and recommending:

• whether the legislation should be changed to allow the treatment and re-use of recycled blackwater in sewered areas for class 2, 5, 6 or 9b buildings

• any conditions that should apply.


6. Treated blackwater re-use trials process

Day 0

Applications are to be lodged with Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Applications must address the performance criteria in Appendix 1—Complying with the QPW Code.

By day 20

All applicants are notified in writing by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

Trial start date

Not more than six months after trial start date

WTS must be installed and additional plumbing approvals sought. Participants are to confirm installation by forwarding copies of the additional approvals to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

Not more than 12 months after trial start date

Validation and verification is complete. Participants are to forward their validation and verification report (appendix 2) to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

Not more than 20 business days after submission of the validation and verification report

Following approval of the validation and verification report, participants are granted permission to begin using recycled water on-site.

Not more than four months after commencing on-site use

Participants forward a water-quality report (see appendix 3) to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. They then forward an updated report every three months until the end of the trial. Water quality and sampling frequency must comply with the water-quality specifications in appendix 5.


Reference list Australian Government 2006, Australian guidelines for water recycling: managing health and environmental risks, phase 1, 2006, Environment Protection and Heritage Council, the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council and the Australian Health Ministers’ Conference, Canberra.

Queensland Government 2008, Recycled water management plan and validation guidelines, Department of Natural Resources and Water, Brisbane.

United States Environmental Protection Agency 2005, Membrane filtration guidance, Office of Water, Cincinnati.


Appendix 1—Complying with the QPW Code

Acceptable solutions

Performance criteria

Must be addressed in the application phase

Must be addressed in the validation phase

Must be addressed in the operational phase

A. Meet the needs and values of the community

1. Develop, document and undertake a consultation process that will lead to a positive contribution and involvement of stakeholders.

Provide a detailed proposal on how the consultation process will be done.

Demonstrate results from consultation. This may include minutes of meetings, pamphlets.

Demonstrate results of ongoing consultation in final report. This may include minutes of meetings, information sessions.

2. Implement an education strategy that will lead to stakeholders gaining an understanding of the treatment system, what should go into the sewer, the end use of recycled water and the associated risks. This may be done at the same time as A1.

Provide a detailed proposal on how the stakeholders will be educated about the treatment system, what to put down sewers and how to use recycled water.

Show and report on any educational material produced and educational campaigns run.

Report on ongoing educational campaigns and material in final report.

3. Implement a complaints/issues register, which will allow for the types and frequencies of complaints to be identified and recorded throughout the term of the blackwater trial. These should include complaints of any nature including, but not limited to, noise, odour, water quality, foaming, illness and cost.

Detail how this will be done.

Demonstrate that a register has been established to record complaints

Maintain the complaints register until the end of the trial period and include in final report.

4. Implement a process to monitor consumer reactions to the impact that the blackwater trials may have on their lives (both positive and negative) including, but not limited to, cost impacts, noise, odour and additional water for gardening.


Demonstrate that a process is in place to capture consumer reactions to the impact the trials have on their lives (good and bad).

Maintain the reactions register until the end of the trial period and include in final report.

5. If recycled water is used for outdoor irrigation, implement a process to monitor the reactions of nearby residents to the project. Inform nearby residents of the use of recycled water on-site.


Demonstrate that a process is in place to capture the reactions of nearby residents to the impact the trials are having on their lives (good and bad).

Maintain the reactions register until the end of the trial period and include in final report.

B. Protect public health

1. Demonstrate the quality of recycled water is suitable for its intended end use.

Provide a full description of the WTS that will be used and analysis of the log reductions that are achievable using this technology from manufacturer’s specification or literature from previous testing. The participant must prove the treatment system can produce the quality of water in appendix 5 while still in the design phase.

Demonstrate that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5. Demonstrate that the treatment plant is validated as per section 2 of this document. Send in a validation report at the end of the validation period as per appendix 2.

Demonstrate that the water continues to meet the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5. Send reports every three months to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.

2. Demonstrate the storage of treated or untreated water does not lead to public health concerns and that the quality of treated recycled water has been retained if stored.

Determine if on-site storage is likely and how this will be managed. Include this information in the application.

See section 2 and appendix 2.

See section 2 and appendix 2.

3. Demonstrate that the use of recycled water does not lead to any public health concerns and that management processes are in place to facilitate the proper end-use of recycled water (including management of any controls).

Determine if any controls are necessary for the use of water on-site and how this will be managed. Include this information in the application.

Ensure that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5 and that any necessary controls are in place and maintained.

Ensure that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5 and that any necessary controls are in place and maintained.


C. Protect environmental health

1. Protect surface water and groundwater by ensuring that risks associated with the discharge of recycled water to the environment are minimised.

Not applicable Demonstrate that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5.

Demonstrate that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5.

2. Ensure that the relationship between input, storage and output within a hydrological system (water balance) is correct for the volumes of recycled water produced. There must be no run-off onto neighbouring properties.

Not applicable Demonstrate that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5.

Demonstrate that the water meets the effluent quality requirements in appendix 5.

D. Sound management and technically feasible 1. Demonstrate that the management system in

place will ensure the proper operation of the blackwater treatment system.

Develop an operational plan that meets the requirements of appendix 6.

Include the operational plan in the validation report as per appendix 2.

Demonstrate that the approved operational plan is followed.

2. Undertake and document ongoing monitoring of treatment performance over the life of the treatment plant (including water quality produced; volume of water re-used for each end use; calibration, replacement and maintenance of equipment; and all costs associated with the project).

Develop an operational plan that meets the requirements of Section 3 and ensure WTS is designed to meet the requirements of appendix 5.

Include the operational manual in the validation report and ensure it contains all the information in appendix 6.

Operate the treatment system in accordance with the operational plan and ensure that treated recycled water meets the requirements in appendix 5.

3. Document the types of breakdowns, how the operator knows a breakdown has occurred, reaction times, and actions to rectify problems that occur in the treatment system and reticulation system.

Not applicable Develop an operational manual that meets the requirements of appendix 6.

Use the register developed in the operational manual and include in final report.

4. Demonstrate that liquid waste and solid waste from the treatment process are disposed of properly.


Follow the operational manual procedures.

5. Demonstrate that the operator has appropriate qualifications and knowledge of the treatment system.


Demonstrate sufficient knowledge to run the system safely at all times.

6. Record the amount of time the operator spends overseeing the operation of the blackwater trial.



7. Record the amount of time that the plant was not operational due to failures over the life of the trial.



8. Assess the financial viability of the trial. Conduct this assessment at the application phase.

Re-evaluate during the validation phase of the trial.

Re-evaluate during the operational phase and at the end of the trial and include in the final report.

9. Document all exceedances of the values in appendix 5.

Develop an adequate incident response procedure to address the problem.

Implement the incident response procedure.

Use the incident response procedure where appropriate. Queensland Health need only be notified when water in exceedance of the values in appendix 5 has been used on-site (see Section 3) or if the water has detectable levels of gamma radiation.


Appendix 2—Validation and verification report Validation of the treatment plant must be completed within 12 months of the trial start date. The following report must be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning when validation is complete.

Treated water cannot be used on-site until approval has been obtained from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning. Approval will be given when the validation report has been reviewed and accepted.

The following must be included in the report.

Validation and commissioning verification of treatment process (Mandatory)

• Results of pre-commissioning and commissioning validation.

• Results from commissioning verification monitoring (minimum of 20 sampling events—samples taken in triplicate—must be taken within six months. Each sampling event must be on a different day. These samples need to be analysed at a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for the parameters in column 1, appendix 5 and comply with the corresponding values in columns 2 and 3 of appendix 5).

• Any other validation methodologies used and results.

Validation of online monitoring (Mandatory)

• All online monitoring equipment needs to be validated as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Validation methods and any results must be included in the validation report.

• All online monitoring equipment needs to be calibrated as per the manufactures instructions. Calibration results must be included in the validation report.

Verification that water quality has been maintained during storage of recycled water (Only applicable if water is stored for more than 24 hours anytime throughout the trial)

If treated water is to be stored on-site for longer than 24 hours during the blackwater re-use trial, then the participant must demonstrate during the commissioning verification period that the quality of the water is not degraded during storage. The proponent may choose how this is done, but some suggestions include:

• sampling water to ensure it still meets the parameters in appendix 5 after various storage times that correspond to those that may occur during the operational phase of the trial

• monitoring any process employed to retain the water quality (e.g. chlorination of the storage tank).

Methods and results from the validation of the storage of recycled water must be included in the validation and commissioning verification report.

Cross-connection (Only applicable if water is plumbed back into building structure for toilet flushing)

If use of recycled water could result in a cross-connection with the drinking water system, then the methods to control this must be included in the validation report (appendix 2).

Operational manual (Mandatory)

A copy of the operational manual (appendix 6) must accompany the validation report.

Performance criteria and acceptable solutions in appendix 1 (Mandatory)

All requirements in column 3, appendix 1 need to be addressed and included in the validation report (such as results from consultation and education campaigns, complaints register and consumer and nearby resident reactions).


Appendix 3—Water-quality report The following report must be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning every three months from when the approval is given to use recycled water on-site, following validation.

The following must be included in the report.

Water-quality report (Mandatory)

• All water-quality results received in the three-month period (since the last water-quality report was submitted).

• Approximate volumes of recycled water used. This should be broken down into each use of the water (e.g. 1 kilolitre (kL) used for irrigation, 1 kL used for toilet flushing).

• Copy of the breakdown register for the three-month period.

• Copy of any complaints received in the three-month period.

• Details on the amount of time the operator spent on-site for the three-month period.

• Any other relevant issues from column 4, appendix 1 (such as communication programs).


Appendix 4—Final report The final report must be sent to the Department of Infrastructure and Planning at the end of the trial. The numbers in brackets refer to the performance criteria in Appendix 1—Complying with the QPW Code. The following information must be included in the report.

Results from the consultation processes including any material produced to aid the process (A1). Results from the education strategy including any material produced (A2).

A copy of the complaints and issues register (A3).

Results from monitoring consumer reactions to the trial (A4).

Results from monitoring the reactions of the nearby residents to the trial (A5).

Database of all water-quality results for the whole trial period (B1).

Water-quality results from investigations into the storage of recycled water (B2).

Approximate volumes of water used for each purpose during the trials.

Approximate volumes of water treated during the trial.

A copy of the final operations manual, highlighting any changes that were needed throughout the trial, and an explanation of why these changes were necessary (D1). The following must be included in the operations manual:

• a breakdown register (D3)

• a report or register of the amount of time the operator spent overseeing the production and use of recycled water for the duration of the trial (D6)

• a record of the amount of time the plant was not operational due to failure or breakdown (D7)

• all other information that was required to be collected in appendix 6 of this guideline.

Documentation of all equipment replacements and repairs necessary throughout the trial (D2). Documentation of any notifications made to Queensland Health (D9).

Final report

Assessment of the financial viability of the system (D8).


Appendix 5—Water-quality specifications All analysis must be performed by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory. If water measures over the maximum value at any time, it must be disposed of to the sewer while the reasons are investigated. If water measured over the maximum value has already been used on-site, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning and Queensland Health must be notified using the email notification form in appendix 7.

Mandatory specifications

Standard parameter1

Maximum parameter

Monitoring frequency2 Sampling point

E. coli <1 cfu/100 ml <10 cfu/100 ml Weekly (triplicate samples) End of treatment process

Clostridium perfringens

<1 cfu/100 ml <10 cfu/100 ml Weekly End of treatment process

F-RNA bacteriophages3 <1 pfu/100 ml <10 pfu/100 ml Weekly End of treatment process

Somatic coliphages3 <1 pfu/100 ml <10 pfu/100 ml Weekly End of treatment process

Turbidity <2 NTU 5 NTU Online or daily Before disinfection point

Chlorine residual (mandatory for toilet flushing)

0.2–1.0 mg/L residual after a minimum contact time of 30 minutes

0.2 mg/L (minimum) Online or daily Point of use or in storage tank

pH 6–8.5 Online or daily Where applicable in treatment process

Gross gamma radiation4

<5 Bq/L <5 Bq/L Online End of treatment process

Research parameters (Mandatory sampling, however column 2 values are guideline values only) Total dissolved solids/electrical conductivity5

<1000 mg/L/<1600μS/cm Weekly End of treatment process

Total nitrogen No guideline value Monthly End of treatment process

Total phosphorus No guideline value

No maximum for research parameters

Monthly End of treatment process

1 95 per cent of samples must comply. 2 For parameters measured online, a quality-control sample should be sent to a NATA-registered laboratory as part of a quality-control program, to ensure accuracy of online equipment. 3 Phase testing may be reduced from weekly to monthly following advice from the multi-agency committee, if validation report has found them to be non-detectable. 4 People undergoing radiotherapy procedures have the potential to excrete material that is high in radioactivity. Due to smaller dilution levels in blackwater sewerage systems and the possibility of cross-connections between the treated blackwater system and the potable drinking water system, this issue needs to be managed properly to protect public health. If water is found to contain greater than 5 Bq/L gross gamma radiation, it should be disposed of to the sewer immediately. 5 Either total dissolved solids or electrical conductivity can be analysed.


Appendix 6—Mandatory requirements for operation and maintenance manuals The operation and maintenance manuals should contain the following:

• A description and schematic of the treatment system that depicts the treatment process, including the flow of water, treatment components, pumps, compressors, valves, pipe work.

• Source water characterisation and hazards identified in the source water and the expected function of the entire treatment plant for removing hazards from source water.

• Identification of critical control points and critical limits for the parameters used to assess critical control points (for example filtration is a critical control point for removing turbidity from the source water. High turbidity of over 5 NTU is a breach of the critical limit indicating the critical control point is not functioning effectively. An alarm must be generated when turbidity is over 5 NTU to warn the operator of a potential problem with the treatment process).

• Water-quality monitoring program (as a minimum it must include criteria in appendix 5 of the guideline where applicable)

• Operating instructions for the WTS (including manuals for all the components of the system). Operating instructions should be comprehensive and clearly delineate the proper function of the treatment system, the operating and maintenance responsibilities of the owner and authorised service personnel, and the service-related obligations of the manufacturer or facility builder.

• Proposed volumes of recycled water to be produced.

• Proposed storage times.

• Approximate usage figures (volumes of recycled water used) for each use.

• A maintenance schedule for all components and equipment (including sludge removal).

• An investigation procedure for monitoring biofilm build-up in pipe work and a schedule for biofilm control such as, but not limited to, pipe scouring.

• A calibration schedule for all relevant components and any laboratory equipment on-site.

• Recommended methods for collecting, preserving, storing and transporting samples to a NATA-registered laboratory for the relevant analyses.

• Disposal methods for any waste produced through the treatment process or out of specification water.

• Workplace health and safety procedures for the storage of chemicals and other relevant activities.

• Waste disposal procedures for any liquid or solid waste from the WTS site.

• Incident procedures if the plant malfunctions while operating unattended.

• The plant’s model designation.

• The name and telephone number of an appropriate service representative to contact in case of problems.

• A statement confirming that the WTS meets the requirements of the QPW Code and this guideline.

• A register to record the types of breakdowns, how the operator knows a breakdown has occurred, reaction times, and actions to rectify problems that occur in the


treatment system and reticulation system. Over the life of the trial, this register must also record replacement of equipment and the amount of time that the plant was not operational due to failures.

• A register to record the amount of time the operator has to spend daily and weekly in overseeing the operation of the WTS. In this register, identify which areas of operation take up most of the operator’s time.

• A register to document the costs associated with the project.

• The operator’s qualifications and knowledge of the WTS.

• Documented results of the ongoing consultation process (See appendix 1, A1 of the guideline).

• Documented results of the ongoing educational process (See appendix 1, A2 of the guideline).


Appendix 7—Email notification form

Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) and Queensland Health (QH) email notification form

Treated blackwater re-use trial

This form must be completed and sent to DIP and QH when water has been used, knowing (e.g. through water sample results) or suspecting that the water does not meet the water-quality specifications in appendix 5.

Email this form at any time to: [email protected] AND [email protected]

Site details

Address of trial site

Date/time of notification Date / / time : am/pm

Name of person filling in form

Details of breach

Reason water was known or suspected to have not met criteria (e.g. failed sample result, equipment failure)

Have you ceased using the water?

Amount of water used (approximately)

What was the water used for?

Has the problem been rectified?

Does any further action need to occur to rectify the problem?

If yes, please explain.

How has any unused water been disposed of?

Is it possible for this type of breach to occur again?

If yes, please explain.

Can the operational plan be amended to prevent the breach occurring again?


Appendix 8—Trial application 1. Applicant details Full name of company (or individual if not a company)

Registered Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)

Address of registered or principal office (include no., street, suburb/locality and postcode)

Postcode

Postal address for correspondence

Postcode

2. Particulars of person authorised on behalf of the company applying for treated blackwater re-use trial approval.

Name (in full)

Position

Business hours mobile

Fax email

3. Details of the treated blackwater re-use trial site

# Must be completed if the company or individual undertaking the operation of a treatment plant as part of these trials is different from the applicant details. Only applicable for class 2, 5, 6, 9b buildings

Name of the approved treatment system proposed for use in the treated blackwater re-use trial

Site address where the blackwater treatment system is to be installed (include no., street, suburb/locality and postcode)

Postcode

Building classification

Full name of company (or individual if not a company)

Registered Business Number (ABN) or Australian Company Number (ACN)

Postal address for correspondence

Postcode

4. Chief executive approval number


5. Attachments Please refer to the supporting documentation sheet to determine what documentation is required to accompany this application.

Please list all attached documents, including: • system specifications • installation, owners and maintenance manuals • schematic diagrams.

6. Application for treated blackwater re-use trial certification

In signing and lodging this application, the applicant is responsible for ensuring the information provided is true. The chief executive will rely on this information when assessing the application.

Applicant’s name (in full)

Position in company

• I do solemnly and sincerely declare that the information provided is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and I make this solemn declaration conscientiously believing the same to be true and by virtue of the Oaths Act 1897.

• I understand that information supplied on or within this application form may be disclosed

publicly in accordance with the Right to Information Act 2009 and Evidence Act 1977. • I have read and understand the contents of Item 9 (Applicant suitability).

Signature Date

7. Checklist Application form completed and signed

Supporting information attached

8. Applications are to be sent to Treated blackwater re-use trials Department of Infrastructure and Planning Building Codes Queensland Division PO Box 15009 City East Qld 4002

9. Applicant suitability Participants are advised to independently consider their suitability for participation in the treated blackwater re-use trials. The Queensland Government does not provide any grants or financial assistance packages for potential applicants as this is not a government-funded trial. Applicants will need to assess their own financial viability and suitability based on the requirements set out in the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (QPW Code) and the treated blackwater re-use trial guidelines. To be considered as a suitable trial site, the performance criteria in the QPW Code must be met. The performance criteria checklist (appendix 1) in the guideline provides detailed information as a guide. Applicants are encouraged to address the checklist prior to submitting an application.

10. Office use only

Application number ___________________ Date received ___________


Supporting documentation

1. A chief executive approval and/or an approval from another state may meet the requirements of the QPW Code. *If an approval exists, please provide a copy of existing approval.

Please provide a copy of the chief executive approval and/or if the item has an approval(*) from one or more of the following approval agencies: a) New South Wales Health b) Victorian Environmental Protection Agency c) Department of Human Services, South Australia d) Department of Health, Western Australia e) Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources, Tasmania f) Department of Health, Northern Territory g) International approval agency such as ANS/NSF USA.

2. Drawings Three copies of drawings in A3 format. These drawings must be full engineering drawings (to scale and dimension). They must contain a full listing of all components with name, model, size, description, function, material of manufacture and location in the plant, and include any wiring diagrams. The components to be shown must include the electric motor(s), gearbox, compressor, pump(s), valves, diffusers, media, pipework, scum collection and sludge pumping equipment, brackets, electrodes, float switches, control panel and the arrangement of the alarm.

3. Installation manual The manual must be prepared by the manufacturer providing comprehensive and detailed installation instructions.

Please provide an installation manual including, but not limited to: a) a numbered list of treatment plant components and an accompanying illustration, photograph, or print in which

the components are respectively identified b) design, construction and material specification for the treatment plant components c) wiring schematics for the treatment plant electrical components d) off-loading and unpacking instructions including safety considerations, identification of fragile components and

measures to be taken to avoid damage to the treatment plant e) a process overview of the function of each component and the expected function of the entire treatment plant

when all components are properly assembled and connected f) a clear definition of the treatment plant installation requirements including plumbing and electrical power

requirements, ventilation, air intake protection, bedding hydrostatic displacement protection, watertightness, slope and miscellaneous fittings and appurtenances

g) repair or replacement instructions in the event that a treatment plant possesses flaws that would inhibit proper functioning and a list of sources where replacement components can be obtained

h) workplace health and safety procedures for storage of chemicals and other relevant activities i) a detailed start-up procedure.

4. Operation and maintenance manual The manual is a mandatory requirement and must be written so that it can be easily understood by the intended reader.

Please provide an operation and maintenance manual including, but not limited to: a) description and schematic of the treatment system that depicts the treatment process, including the flow of water,

treatment components, pumps, compressors, valves, pipework b) source water characterisation and hazards identified in the source water and the expected function of the entire

treatment plant for removing hazards from source water c) identification of critical control points and critical limits for the parameters used to assess critical control points

(for example filtration is a critical control point for removing turbidity from the source water. High turbidity of over 5 NTU is a breach of the critical limit indicating the critical control point is not functioning effectively. An alarm should therefore be generated when turbidity is over 5 NTU to warn the operator of a potential problem with the treatment process)

d) water-quality monitoring program (as a minimum it must include criteria in appendix 5 of the guideline where applicable)

e) operation instructions for the WTS (including manuals for all the components of the system). Operating instructions should be comprehensive and clearly delineate the proper function of the treatment system, the operating and maintenance responsibilities of the owner and authorised service personnel, and the service-related obligations of the manufacturer or facility builder

f) proposed volumes of treated blackwater to be produced g) proposed storage times h) approximate usage figures (volumes of treated blackwater used) for each use i) a maintenance schedule for all components and equipment (including sludge removal) j) an investigation procedure for monitoring biofilm build-up in pipe work and a schedule for biofilm control such as,

but not limited to, pipe scouring k) a calibration schedule for all relevant components and any laboratory equipment on-site l) recommended methods for collecting, preserving, storing and transporting samples to a laboratory, which is NATA

registered for the relevant analyses m) disposal methods for any waste produced through the treatment process or out of specification water n) workplace health and safety procedures for storage of chemicals and other relevant activities o) waste disposal procedures for any liquid or solid waste from the WTS site p) incident procedures if plant malfunctions while operating unattended q) notification procedures if out-of-specification water is used on-site (see Section 5.4 of the guideline for procedure) r) the plant’s model designation s) the name and telephone number of an appropriate service representative to contact in case of problems t) a statement confirming that the WTS meets the requirements of the QPW Code and this guideline u) a register to record the types of breakdowns, how the operator knows a breakdown has occurred, reaction times,

and actions to rectify problems that occur in the treatment system and reticulation system. Over the life of the trial, this register must also record replacement of equipment, and the amount of time that the plant was not operational due to failures

v) a register to record the amount of time the operator has to spend daily and weekly in overseeing the operation of the WTS and identify the areas of operation that take up most of the operator’s time

w) a register to document the costs associated with the project x) the operator’s qualifications and knowledge of the WTS y) documented results of the ongoing consultation process (See appendix 1, A1 of the guideline) z) documented results of the ongoing educational process (See appendix 1, A2 of the guideline).


July 2009

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