The farmgate value of fruit and vegetables grown in Victoria is about $1 billion per year and a further $417 million value is added as a result of processing.  The shelf life of horticultural produce can be extended by cooling it as soon after harvest as possible.  A convenient way of cooling fruit and vegetables is to spray them with chilled water in devices known as hydrocoolers.  However, to conserve water and energy the water must be recirculated around the system and the water contacting the produce is mandated to be potable.  As a result, an effective water treatment system must be incorporated into hydrocoolers, and it is noted that a program of testing the water must be implemented.  It is also reported how engineering science can be used to improve the design of hydrocoolers.