Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

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Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
FACT SHEET 5
Effluent Return Flows
What are Effluent Return Flows?
Effluent return flow is the process of returning highly treated wastewater to waterways. Under
the Water Management Act 2000, credits can be gained from return flows, allowing towns to
access greater extraction volumes. However government agencies have not yet agreed on
water quality requirements and flow regimes for return flows.
If there are users downstream of the discharge point, the return flow can be credited against
the town’s extraction limit and the town may extract more water.
Benefits
Increased volume and improved variability of environmental flow releases (thus reducing the
impact on ecological processes).
Reduces stress on natural habitats.
Increases yield (security) of the supply in drought or dry periods.
Enhanced resource recycling, with water returned at an earlier stage of the water cycle for
recycling.
May downsize or delay the need for other water supply augmentation options (e.g. a dam).