Assessment of factors influencing water reuse opportunities in Western Australia

Abstract

Water is used within our society for human consumption and food production, industrial processes and energy generation, maintaining natural ecology and biodiversity and recreational purposes. Authorities now face the challenge of ensuring the quantity, distribution, quality and allocation between the various uses are sustainable. One source not considered in the past on a large scale is the reuse of wastewater. Recent state elections in Western Australia have brought the issue of water resources to the forefront of the public perception. Several solutions were put forward during the elections including a large desalination plant, building a canal to transport water from the north of the state and increased pumping of local aquifers. The Water Corporation of Western Australia tells us that by 2031, Perth is expected to need an extra 150 gigalitres of water. This will be met by an integrated water cycle approach including new sources, efficiency measures, water recycling, water trading and catchment management. However, it is expected that any new water sources will be more costly than current supply from local dams and groundwater. The objective of this project is to identify factors that have led to the current water crisis in Western Australia, examine water opportunities that are available to Western Australians and recommend a solution that is consistent with triple bottom line objectives. This includes an assessment of the large amount of information available on the factors influencing water reuse opportunities in Western Australia. Water reuse technology is essential to support our growing population. There is the need to assess the past, current and future situations to ensure there is sufficient water available in the future. It is also important that there is an awareness within the community and government agencies of the seriousness of the current water crisis. The greatest factors affecting the successful expansion and integration of water recycling into future sustainable water management plans are associated costs compared to other water sources, acceptance by the general public, minimization of environmental and health impacts, technology to treat water to an appropriate standard and the examples set by other Australian states and territories.