As Sydney grapples with a burgeoning population and increasingly erratic weather patterns, the city's water authorities are intensifying efforts to promote the use of treated wastewater as a potential solution to alleviate pressure on traditional dam supplies, reports ABC Australia.
Currently, 80% of wastewater from Greater Sydney is disposed of in the ocean after just one use, prompting concerns about the sustainability of the region's primary water source, Warragamba Dam. James Harrington, project manager at Sydney Water, emphasized the need for change, stating that climate unpredictability and population growth are placing the dam under unprecedented strain.
The Greater Sydney Water Strategy outlines a long-term plan to incorporate highly treated wastewater into the city's drinking water supply, alongside other sources such as desalination. Harrington believes that such diversification will provide a more reliable and secure water supply during droughts, potentially reducing reliance on the dam in extreme cases.
To address public skepticism, a year-long testing program and community consultation process has been initiated. Despite the successful use of purified recycled water in over 35 cities worldwide for more than 50 years, including places like California and Perth, convincing Australians of its safety has historically been challenging.
In the past, discussions on recycled water in Australia have been marred by political controversies. The failure of former New South Wales opposition leader Peter Debnam's plan to introduce recycled wastewater and stormwater into Sydney's drinking supplies was cited as a contributing factor to his loss in the 2007 election. Similarly, a 2006 referendum in Toowoomba, Queensland, on the use of purified recycled water faced strong opposition, with more than 60% voting against it.
Experts argue that misinformation campaigns have played a significant role in shaping public opinion on recycled water. To address concerns and build trust, Sydney Water is taking a proactive approach by opening a small-scale Purified Recycled Water Demonstration Plant and Discovery Centre at Quakers Hill in Sydney's west.
Sydney Water project manager James Harrington explained that during the treatment process, the water becomes so pure that minerals need to be reintroduced. Professor Stuart Khan from the University of Sydney stressed the importance of successful community consultation, asserting that treated wastewater could meet up to 25% of the city's drinking water needs in the future. He urged the government to begin building the necessary infrastructure in the coming years to prepare for future droughts.
