sewage water hazard into a money-spinning green asset for Bermuda's old capital of St. George's.

And Kim Swan -- set to stand for the United Bermuda Party in St. George's North -- said he wanted sewage technology to be brought up to par with a million dollar-plus treatment plant to turn raw sewage into fresh water, which could then be sold for flushing and irrigation purposes.

Mr. Swan, professional at the St. George's course, said an effluent treatment plant would stop the pumping of sewage out to sea off Tobacco Bay and create extra cash for the Corporation of St. George's.

He added: "We can't have sewage going out to sea, particularly when park lands and golf courses need irrigation in the summer to keep them green.

"Apart from being an environmentally sound idea, the town can earn revenue from recycled sewage converted into water.'' Mr. Swan said he had discussed the plan with the Corporation of St. George's and Works and Engineering Ministry officials.

And he urged the two to get together to fund the plan, which could cost up to $2 million.

Mr. Swan said: "I think this would be something which will really benefit the town and lead the way for the rest of the Island in the future.'' He added that parts of St. George's already had water pipes laid, which would make it an ideal test-bed.

Mr. Swan said: "I'm sure a feasability study would show that this proposal would generate a positive cash flow for the Corporation.'' And he added that with the old Club Med hotel set to open again under new management, creating more demand for water and more sewage, it was an ideal time to consider a new, hi-tech approach.

Mr. Swan was backed by Works and Engineering principal water engineer Keith Claridge.

He said: "This kind of thing is becoming a well-used avenue for getting the most out your water resources.

"On an island like Bermuda, where water is expensive, you have to make the most of what you have got.'' Mr. Claridge added: "Technology has moved rapidly in the last few years and there are systems which can provide very good water.'' He said discussions with the Corporation had already taken place on a joint scheme.

Mr. Claridge added: "We now have to get into the development stages -- but we have a long way to go in terms of planning controls and other things before we even start the building stage.

"It would certainly be a progression in Bermuda's rather unique water system.

It's the next stage. The Island makes the most of its water and this is another step along the line.''