That's why, after years of intensive preparation, Lytton refinery switched to recycled sewage water in 2008 for 85 percent of its water consumption.  With an intake of 5.2 million litres, that's a significant saving of fresh drinking water every day.

Kurnell refinery is not far behind. Within two years, recycled water will provide 70 percent of its daily usage.

Meanwhile, water conservation efforts are well and truly underway at Kurnell. Around 50 percent of water currently used within the refinery is recycled internally. Wastewater is used to test tank repairs. This procedure applies to around 20 storage tanks each year, the largest with a capacity of 65 megalitres. And so, the volume of fresh water saved in this procedure alone is extensive.

The Kurnell site also generates 350 tonnes of steam per hour, most of which is now recovered and recycled as water for alternate use. And, as you would expect, Kurnell refinery is committed to the 'Every Drop Counts' program run by Sydney Water.