MEDLI - Software for effluent reuse schemes

MEDLI logo

The Model for Effluent Disposal Using Land Irrigation (MEDLI) is a Windows® program for designing effluent re-use schemes. MEDLI was first developed in 1996, when it was released jointly by the then Queensland Department of Primary Industries, CRC for Waste Management and Pollution Control, and the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation.

A new version (MEDLI Version 2) was released in June 2015. Version 2 represented a substantial upgrade on Version 1, with a completely rebuilt software package to run on modern computer operating systems, a more intuitive user interface, the addition of a health risk assessment module and a detailed interactive summary report designed with input by regulators.

MEDLI models the complex dynamics of an effluent irrigation system on a daily time-step, using historical climate data to determine the wet weather storage and irrigation area requirements for a specific location.

Irrigate your effluent sustainably

One of the most common uses for sewage treatment plant and agricultural industry (such as abattoirs) effluents is land irrigation.

These effluents, often called wastewater, can contain high levels of nutrients, organic matter, suspended solids, pathogens and other contaminants.

It is important the effluent can be sustainably irrigated to land so it does not impact the land or the surrounding environment and allows crops to be grown on the irrigated area.

The Model for Effluent Disposal using Land Irrigation (MEDLI) software can be used to understand and assess such irrigation schemes.

Benefits of MEDLI model

MEDLI is the tool recommended by the environmental regulator in Queensland to make (or assess) decisions about how to dispose of effluent by land irrigation.

MEDLI is suitable for sewage effluent re-use schemes (both municipal and on-site), intensive livestock industries and agri-industries.

The model addresses all the facets of effluent re-use; the quality and quantity of effluent available, climate, storage and treatment, irrigation frequency and amount, the flow paths of water, nitrogen, phosphorus and salt components and plant growth.

MEDLI allows you to design and test the long-term viability of an effluent treatment and irrigation scheme. You can identify weaknesses in the scheme, and explore alternative solutions until a suitable robust design is found.

With MEDLI, the effluent issue becomes a transparent, logical problem-solving exercise backed by comprehensive text and graphical output.

Support and training

MEDLI is being maintained and continuously improved, supported by software sales and MEDLI training workshops. Licenced users have access to detailed system documentation and receive upgrades automatically. Technical support is available as part of licence agreements. Training workshops are also provided subject to demand (currently twice a year).

How to obtain MEDLI

To obtain more information about obtaining a licence for MEDLI, such as a price list or free trial or wish to find out about the next MEDLI training session, please email .

More information

For more information visit Help with effluent disposal using land irrigation or view the MEDLI poster (PDF, 311.7KB) .