80% of household water goes to waste – we need to get it back

As regional Australian towns face the prospect of running out of water, it’s time to ask why Australia does not make better use of recycled wastewater.

Some towns in northern NSW are likely to see empty dams next year.

The technology to reliably and safely make clean, drinkable water from all sources, including sewage, has existed for at least a decade. Further, government policy has for a long time allowed for recycled water to ensure supply. 

The greatest barrier to the widespread use of recycled wastewater is community acceptance. Research from around the world found the best way to overcome reluctance is to embrace education and rigorously ensure the highest quality water treatment.

Read the story from The Conversation by a professor from the Institute for Public Policy and Governance and the Centre for Local Government at the University of Technology Sydney, Roberta Ryan -  “80% of household water goes to waste – we need to get it back.”