Supply options

Waste pond from the air.To find the most effective combination of means to secure water for our cities we need to consider all available water supply options.

Traditionally, many of our towns and cities have been supplied with water by rainfall which is collected from catchment areas and stored in dams and reservoirs. In other areas, supplies have come from groundwater reserves.

These water sources are now under pressure. With less run-off filling the dams that supply cities, and increasing pressure on groundwater resources, we need to look at a range of weather resilient options to boost urban water supplies.

There are many opportunities to make more efficient use of supplies of water that we have already developed. We also need to explore alternative sources of water and the technologies, infrastructure and management required to make them viable.

Re-use and recycling

Recycling for non-drinking consumption has been widely accepted across Australia, with considerable investment to meet increasing recycling targets. Household recycling of greywater is also increasingly being adopted by Australian residents to provide a constant source during times of drought and water restrictions.

Introducing recycled water into the drinking water supply is also a viable option to reduce water shortages and make water supplies less vulnerable to climate.

Desalination

Desalination is the process of removing salt from water to make it useable for a range of 'fit for use' purposes including drinking. While energy and process costs make this a relatively expensive option, advancing technologies are steadily reducing operational costs. 

Rainwater and stormwater

Stormwater is a resource that can provide additional environmental, economic and social benefits to our urban areas beyond  water supply. Through more effective water cycle management, stormwater harvesting can help prevent pollution, alleviate floods, relieve pressure on drinking water supplies, and contribute to waterway health. More work is required to overcome some of the challenges associated with the collection, storage, treatment and transport of stormwater in built-up urban areas.

Managed aquifer recharge

Managed aquifer recharge is the deliberate recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit.  In urban areas, managed aquifer recharge can provide effective storage for desalinated seawater, recycled water, stormwater and even mains water, reducing transportation costs and water loss through evaporation. 

 

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