"DRINKING recycled water doesn't wash with most Australians, with nearly half believing it contains human waste and 70 per cent equating it with purified sewage.
A survey of 1000 Australians' perceptions of recycled and desalinated water shows that authorities face a tough time overcoming the public's distaste for drinking or bathing in recycled water.Almost 30 per cent thought recycled water was "disgusting" and one in four believed it stained the washing. Only 11 per cent said they would be very likely to use it for drinking.
A survey of 1000 Australians' perceptions of recycled and desalinated water shows that authorities face a tough time overcoming the public's distaste for drinking or bathing in recycled water.Almost 30 per cent thought recycled water was "disgusting" and one in four believed it stained the washing. Only 11 per cent said they would be very likely to use it for drinking.
Several prominent politicians and water experts have supported using recycled effluent as drinking water as catchments hit record lows in the current drought. In Queensland, recycling was rejected by Toowoomba residents last July despite severe water restrictions.
Prime Minister John Howard recently said "it's part of the solution", and Treasurer Peter Costello said it was the "final step" of measures to overcome shortages.The Victorian Government does not support using recycled water for drinking." -reported by William Birnbauer.
It demonstrates the incredible foresight of the Singapore Government in resolving the teething water issue. Despite not having an urgent, immdiate need for alternative water sources, the government have taken steps to ensure the water supply of Singaporeans should neighbouring countries play foul in the future.
Melbourne is currently under Stage 3 water restrictions due to the extended drought over the past few months, as is the entire Victoria state. Some of its 'features': Gardens may only be watered twice a week. Hoses not allowed for car washing. New pools not to be filled. Existing pools to be filled with buckets of water from tap.
Sounds interesting huh. Stage 4 is not far away judging by current trends. With such a dire need for water supplies, recycled water presents an attractive alternative to ease the situation. Unfortunately, the parliament here does have a sizeable and formidable opposition, unlike, erm. U-know-where. So i guess "Aussie NeWater" will still take some time before making its debut. But without a doubt, It's just a matter of time.
3 comments:
Recycled water for drinking in Australia is not inevitable.
There are plenty of other uses for it. Even in Singapore, most of the NEWater is used for concrete batching, air conditioners and the computer chip industry.
Not that people in Singapore would ever get a chance to say no to it - there's no true democracy. If I was posting this comment in Singapore, I'd face arrest.
Erm.. Paul.. Who are you? Haha. Well, I guess the concern is not so much for the commercial and industrial uses for the recycled water.
I don't think the people have will have much of a problem with recycled water being used in air-conditioners and such but drinking it is a different proposition altogether.
But well, admittedly, I'm not too familiar with the water situation here in Melbourne. Just some thoughts on that article and the current drought..
"Almost 30 per cent thought recycled water was 'disgusting' and one in four believed it stained the washing."
So much for a First World Nation.
Besides the idea of using recycled water, perhaps the Aussie govt can toy with the idea of desalination? Afterall, it's a big-ass country surrounded by water. Unless they think that desalinated water is sea-water....
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