The Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence has awarded $200,000 in funding to its first project – the development of a National Validation Framework for water recycling.

 

The framework will provide a consistent and efficient approach to validation, which does not compromise the safety of the water recycling process.

 

Centre of Excellence CEO Dr Mark O’Donohue said engagement with utilities, regulators and researchers during development of the Centre’s research strategy identified the need for a national framework as a high priority for the water industry.


“Developing a National Validation Framework is a key component of the Centre’s research agenda, which is why this project is the first to be funded,” Dr O’Donohue said.

 

“Australia has national guidelines that set recycled water quality requirements. However, each State and Territory has its own validation approach, often with different criteria and testing requirements.”

 

Led by Water Quality Research Australia, the project team will work with industry, regulators and researchers to develop the framework.

 

In addition to funding from the Centre of Excellence and Water Quality Research Australia, the project will receive financial support from Dow Chemical and the Water Services Association of Australia.


The first stage of establishing the framework will begin in April. It will result in a Roadmap Report that identifies priority investment required to fill gaps in knowledge about validation, sets out mechanisms for industry, regulators and researchers to jointly deliver a framework, and identifies
any additional resources required.

 

Once the roadmap report is accepted, the Centre of Excellence will allocate up to $3 million in further funding for establishment of the National Validation Framework.

 

For more information on the Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence visit www.australianwaterrecycling.com.au