From waste to wonder: the Eastern Treatment Plant turns 50
In September, Melbourne Water celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP), a leader in sewerage management. The ETP treats nearly half of Melbourne’s sewage – about 400 million litres a day – while advancing wastewater treatment and sustainable energy production.
“The ETP plays a vital role in safeguarding the health of our environment, communities and families,” said Melbourne Water Managing Director, Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo.
“This 50th anniversary is testament to its journey, evolving into one of the world’s most advanced sewage treatment facilities, pioneering solutions like producing Class A recycled water and renewable energy.”
Opened in 1975 as the South Eastern Purification Plant, the ETP underwent an award-winning upgrade in 2012, enabling it to produce high-quality recycled water.
One man has had a front row seat to ETP’s evolution. Stephen Cahill began as a Special Cleaner in 1986 and is now a Manager of Environmental Management Systems.
“When I joined Melbourne Water, I was cleaning up spills. Since then, I’ve worked in almost every role in the plant. I never imagined I’d still be here nearly four decades later, but the variety has kept things interesting,” he reflected.
“The ETP plays such a vital role for Melbourne, but does so without fuss or fanfare, quietly working behind the scenes. I’m proud to have served the community for so many years and worked with so many wonderful people along the way.”
Since its inception, the ETP has generated renewable energy from biogas, now producing around 30% of the plant’s energy needs, and recently installed a 39,000-panel solar farm, one of the largest ‘behind-the-meter' solar installations in Australia. This solar farm produces 30 GWh of clean electricity a year, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to that of 6,000 households and supports Melbourne Water’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
As Melbourne’s population grows, the volume of wastewater will increase. By 2030, nearly 6 million Melburnians will be flushing the toilet. That’s why Melbourne Water is investing in major capital programs to increase ETP's capacity and future-proof our sewerage network.
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