Portuguese Delegation Visits ALGAESYS Gingin Plant
ALGAESYS Australia recently welcomed a delegation of Portuguese agricultural and water management representatives to its Gingin facility, showcasing innovative wastewater treatment technology and its potential role in addressing global water challenges.
The visit was organised by Brendan Augustine as part of a Western Australian study tour focused on agricultural water management. The delegation, comprising 15 representatives from leading Portuguese organisations including AABA, FAABA, ACOS, APBA, FENAREG, OLIVUM, PortugalNUTS, ANPOC, EDIA, AHSA, ANPROMIS and ADRAL, travelled to Western Australia to learn about local approaches to water management and sustainable agricultural practices.
A key objective of the visit was to explore examples of recycled, fit-for-purpose water solutions that can be safely reused within agricultural environments. The group was particularly interested in sustainable technologies that support water reuse, improve resource efficiency, and help meet the growing challenges facing agricultural communities.
ALGAESYS Gingin Wastewater Treatment Plant
Recognising the relevance of ALGAESYS' innovative wastewater treatment technology, the delegation visited the company's Gingin plant for a guided tour led by Soner Bekir. During the tour, delegates gained firsthand insight into how the ALGAESYS system treats wastewater while providing a sustainable, low-maintenance solution that supports water recycling objectives.
The visit generated significant interest among the delegates, particularly from Mr José Pedro Mendes Barbosa da Costa Salema of EDIA (Alqueva Development and Infrastructure Company, S.A.), the public company responsible for managing Portugal's Alqueva Multipurpose Project and associated irrigation network.
During discussions, Mr Salema outlined a current challenge facing a village located adjacent to a dam within the Alqueva region. Historically, properties in the village have relied on septic tanks for wastewater management. However, groundwater infiltration has created ongoing issues, causing pathogens from the septic systems to potentially enter the nearby dam.
As the region transitions to a new sewer network and phases out the ageing septic tank infrastructure, there is a growing need for a reliable treatment solution that can not only treat wastewater effectively but also enable water recycling. The requirement for a highly autonomous, sustainable treatment system aligns closely with the capabilities offered by ALGAESYS technology.
The visit has opened the door to potential future opportunities, with Mr Salema identifying possible applications for ALGAESYS technology within the Alqueva project. Given ALGAESYS' Portuguese roots, the company has since connected the delegation with its established contacts in Portugal to explore opportunities for further collaboration.
This visit highlights the growing international interest in sustainable water treatment and water reuse technologies, as regions around the world seek innovative solutions to safeguard water resources, support agricultural productivity, and build more resilient communities.
As water security continues to be a global priority, ALGAESYS remains committed to delivering practical, sustainable wastewater treatment solutions that enable the responsible reuse of water and support environmental outcomes both in Australia and internationally.