Annangrove Aquatic & Leisure Centre
WWTP replacement for multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art facility
PROJECT DETAILS
Location:
Annagrove, NSW
Product:
20kL Kubota MBBR
Capability:
Consult, design, and construct STP
True Water replaced the Wastewater Treatment System (WWTS) at the Annangrove Aquatic and Leisure Centre to support the facility’s growth. With a new pool and expanded amenities, including dressing rooms, showers, toilets, and a kitchen, upgrading the WWTS became essential for sustainable and efficient wastewater management.
The successful delivery of the project required meticulous planning. True Water provided expert consultancy and design services, including a detailed site assessment and an Effluent Management Report. These efforts secured approval via a Section 68 application, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Annangrove, situated in the picturesque Hills Shire of New South Wales, is home to natural landmarks like Cattai Creek and Blue Gum Creek. Local authorities emphasise environmentally responsible development to protect the region’s unique ecosystem while supporting growth.
The existing STP, comprising four concrete septic tanks, lacked the capacity to accommodate the facility's expansion.
The WWTP and essential components were assembled offiste, before being dispatched for install.
The lightweight and compact pumpwells are moved into position.
The CONNECTmi controller enhances monitoring with data logging, alarms, while TELEmi provides reliable, 24-hour remote monitoring of system operations.
Evaluation of risks in wastewater treatment
The evaluation of risks in wastewater treatment was central to the design process. Key challenges included sloping land, low-permeability clay soils, and a sensitive environment housing endangered fauna. These constraints required innovative measures to prevent pooling, runoff, and slope instability while maintaining system efficiency and environmental preservation.
The existing Sewage Treatment Plant used basic aeration technology and four septic tanks, which were insufficient for the growing demand. True Water’s design included a 20kL Kubota MBBR Wastewater Treatment Plant, capable of managing a peak flow of 12,000 litres per day and an average dry weather flow of 8,000 litres. The system was designed with a 30% capacity buffer to ensure redundancy and operational security.
The Land Application Area, which includes two Wisconsin mounds, was retained, and a third mound was added to enhance treatment and environmental application. This expansion now sees the Effluent Dispersal Area total 1,200m², handling highly treated effluent at 10 mm/m²/day. This upgrade meets Class A/A+ standards, achieving effective nutrient reduction and environmental protection.
Long-term system reliability and compliance
True Water managed every aspect of the project, including safety protocols, civil works, and construction. The new system, designed for a 30-year lifecycle, ensures long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness. It supports increasing visitation, projected to peak at 4,000 swimmers per month and generating a maximum monthly flow of 240,000 litres.
To streamline the installation process, system components were pre-assembled and tested before delivery. The project also included additional infrastructure: a 3kL concrete primary septic pump well, a 3kL treated wastewater pump well, and duty/standby pump sets. Furthermore, the team seamlessly integrated internal pipework and connections. Two 32.5kL poly tanks added 65kL of wet-weather storage capacity.
In configuring the Kubota MBBR system, True Water prioritised a thorough evaluation of wastewater treatment risks. During installation, the team provided onsite training and ensured a smooth transition through a comprehensive handover process. The commissioning phase involved rigorous testing, detailed reporting, and extensive documentation. These steps included warranty implementation, an owner’s manual, and as-constructed drawings. At every stage, the project adhered to local and state regulations, ensuring full compliance.
Advanced asset management technology
Post-installation, the system is easy to use, cost-effective, and reliable while meeting all regulatory standards. True Water’s technicians provide advanced asset management technology and services, including water testing and quarterly servicing. The CONNECTmi controller, developed with industry partner Matalec, enables data logging and alarm monitoring, while TELEmi ensures 24-hour remote monitoring.
With the upgraded WWTS, the Annangrove Aquatic and Leisure Centre now benefits from a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution. The system meets regulatory standards, operates with minimal odour and visual impact, and ensures long-term sustainability through quarterly servicing and water testing.
True Water has implemented a system that addresses environmental challenges and guarantees ongoing sustainability and regulatory compliance. By integrating advanced asset management technology, the upgraded wastewater treatment system delivers exceptional performance. This innovative approach balances environmental stewardship with operational excellence, supporting the facility’s growth while preserving the surrounding ecosystem.
