Why does Sydney pump sewage into the ocean and put its famous beaches at risk of poo balls?
Experts say Sydney Water should better treat wastewater before sending it offshore at Malabar, Bondi and North Head. The corporation disagrees
TL;DR
- Sydney's sewage system primarily uses fast primary treatment, discharging effluent 2-4km offshore via deepwater ocean outfalls (DOOFs).
- This method, once common, is now seen as outdated, with secondary and tertiary treatments involving biological processes and filtration being more advanced.
- Recent 'debris balls' on Sydney's beaches are believed to be linked to a fatberg in the Malabar treatment plant, which is difficult to clear due to its location.
- Upgrading Sydney's coastal plants to secondary treatment is costly and faces challenges due to limited space and the difficulty of acquiring land.
- Other cities like Singapore, Perth, and Melbourne have invested in advanced wastewater treatment and recycling, while Sydney lags behind.
- Sydney Water plans to spend $32 billion over 15 years to improve the sewerage system, build new facilities inland, and increase water recycling.