An emerging global water scarcity demands innovative methods to increase water productivity. Drought conditions, particularly in Australia, together with competing demands for the available water supply have highlighted the necessity for agricultural producers and municipal authorities to improve their water usage.

The IBR process permits waste water and effluent streams to be recycled- in some cases reducing overall water consumption by up to 70%. Organic waste streams naturally contain a high percentage of nutrient rich water. By recycling water back into the IBR system, demand on the fresh water supply is significantly reduced and cost reductions are achieved.

The anaerobic digestion process itself is also beneficial in that it breaks down waste materials and greatly reduces land and ground water pollution. Contained waste treatment reduces the risk of contamination due to pathogens and nutrients leaching through run-off. Several studies claim that harmful pathogens like e-coli bacteria are considerably reduced when anaerobic waste digestion processes are used.

The IBR system can potentially eliminate much of the animal and human effluent released into waterways and coastal regions while generating soil conditioners, hot water and electricity. The system is ideal for regional plants which could handle the waste of up to two and a half million humans and other municipal organic wastes. The modular construction of the plant allows for flexibility in construction and the possibility for small local plants to be placed throughout a major city.