Unitywater Executive Manager Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions, Mike Basterfield, said this achievement showcased Unitywater’s commitment to environmental resilience across its service region.
“By using innovative filtration methods our treatment plant in Maleny has achieved an outstanding 99% total nitrogen removal and 98.8% total phosphorus removal before releasing treated water to Obi Obi Creek,” Mr Basterfield said.
“This milestone represents the culmination of a decade-long journey towards sustainability, securing the future of wastewater management for this growing community while creating public green spaces for generations to come.”
Mr Basterfield said the plant continued to deliver significant environmental and community benefits and removing nitrogen and phosphorus from treated effluent contributed to higher water quality in local creeks.
“Our fusion of advanced technology and nature-based solutions ensures high-quality water treatment and supports the health of the local environment. We are proud to lead the way in demonstrating what’s possible when technology and nature work together for the benefit of the community,” he said.
The 2024 National Water Week theme is Accelerating Action, calling on the community to address water’s vital role in the current climate crisis and move towards a sustainable water future. The sustainable processes in place at the Maleny WWTP ensure Unitywater has a holistic approach to wastewater treatment.
The plant's sustainable wastewater treatment model begins with an immersed membrane bioreactor (iMBR), which effectively filters out solids and contaminants to produce reliable, high-quality treated water.
This treated water is sent directly to 13.8 hectares of forest, where native vegetation absorbs residual nutrients, further purifying the water and creating a natural extension of the treatment process.
In the final step, runoff from the forest, along with the additional treated effluent from iMBR process, reaches the treated wetland, where it is dosed with Diatomix.
This natural product promotes the growth of diatoms—microscopic algae that outcompete harmful algae and limit the growth of aquatic weeds like Azolla.
As a result, nutrient levels continue to decline, leading to improved oxygen levels and water clarity, which support a more balanced and healthy ecosystem.
Unitywater remains dedicated to ongoing innovation and collaboration with the community to ensure sustainable practices are at the forefront of water management.
For more information on Unitywater’s sustainable water management initiatives, visit the website at www.unitywater.com/about-us/our-business/sustainability.
