Tim Holding MP, Minister for Water, unveils the plaque with Geoff Provis, Chairman of the Board

MT HOTHAM WATER CONSERVATION AND WATER RECYCLING PROJECT

11 June, 2008

Mt Hotham has made history becoming the first ski resort in the world to use high-quality recycled water for snowmaking.

On June 7^th 2008 Water Minister Tim Holding switched on the $8.4 million Mt Hotham Wastewater Reuse and Water Conservation Project, which will provide up to 110 million litres of Class A recycled water each year. 

“The Brumby Government has a long-term plan to secure water supplies to communities across Victoria which includes increasing the use of recycled water,” Mr Holding said.

“This is a historic day for Mt Hotham and demonstrates the Resort’s commitment to sustainability following 11 years of drought and the uncertainty of climate change in the future.

“This initiative reduces demand on local water supplies and provides a reliable supply of snow for the mountain which is great for the local community and the tens of thousands of visitors who flock here each winter.

“The Brumby Government contributed $4.2 million to the project, with $2.1 million each from the Mt Hotham Alpine Resort Management Board and the Mt Hotham Skiing Company.”

Mt Hotham had previously used water from Swindlers Creek for snowmaking and discharged wastewater from the Resort into the Dargo catchment. 

“This project will boost downstream flows of Swindlers Creek and improve the health of the local environment,” he said.

“The use of Class A recycled water for snowmaking adheres to strict EPA and DHS guidelines which ensures it is safe for the environment and for people skiing and playing in the snow.

“The recycled water quality is as good as or better than the creek water which has been used for snow making in the past.”

Mt Hotham Resort Management Chief Executive Officer Jim Atteridge said recycled water would  be used in the Mt Hotham village for a range of household purposes through a third pipe system.

“All new developments and major refurbishments will be connected to the new system and up to 30 per cent of existing lodges are expected to connect to the recycled water third pipe system within 10 years for toilet flushing and fire fighting,” Mr Atteridge said.  

The project to upgrade Mt Hotham Sewage Treatment Plant included:

· Building a membrane ultra filtration plant;

· A 27 million litre storage reservoir at Mt Loch; and

· A 3.5 kilometre rising main connecting the treatment plant to the reservoir. 

For more images of the opening, click here.