❓ Hon Jacqui Boydell asks about methamphetamine levels in recycled wastewater in regional WA. The Minister for Water confirms testing locations are under the Police portfolio, states that research indicates high removal rates of methamphetamine during wastewater treatment, and that further research hasn't been commissioned.
AnsweredQoN 2343Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the recent National Waste Water report, dated April 2019, and I ask: (a) can the Minister confirm the sites where testing was undertaken in regional Western Australia; (b) as methamphetamine is water soluable, is the Minister aware of any scientific concern that recycled waste water could contain methamphetamine; and (c) if yes to (b), has the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation commissioned the Chemistry Centre WA or a university to undertake research in this area?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 September 2019
Responded by
Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Water
Response time
12 days
(a) This component of the question should be directed to the Minister for Police.
(b) No.
To date results from research undertaken by the Water Corporation with Curtin University into the removal of methamphetamine by wastewater treatment processes indicates high levels of removal.
Secondary treatment of wastewater removes at least 95% of methamphetamines. Secondary treated wastewater is discharge or recycled for non-potable use such as irrigation of ovals and golf courses. The treatment processes for wastewater to be used for groundwater replenishment are highly advanced and very effective, with at least 99% of methamphetamines being removed.
(c) Not applicable
(b) No.
To date results from research undertaken by the Water Corporation with Curtin University into the removal of methamphetamine by wastewater treatment processes indicates high levels of removal.
Secondary treatment of wastewater removes at least 95% of methamphetamines. Secondary treated wastewater is discharge or recycled for non-potable use such as irrigation of ovals and golf courses. The treatment processes for wastewater to be used for groundwater replenishment are highly advanced and very effective, with at least 99% of methamphetamines being removed.
(c) Not applicable
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