Advancing the uptake of water recycling

The Acting CEO of the National Water Commission, James Cameron, today called for greater use of recycled water as part of Australia’s urban water supplies.

Releasing a position statement on urban water recycling at the National Recycled Water Regulators Forum, Cameron said that the commission urges even-handed assessment of the relative merits of water recycling, including for drinking purposes.

"Large volumes of recycled water are now being used for non-drinking consumption," said Cameron.

"Even greater reliance on recycled water would contribute to more secure and sustainable urban water supply systems, as well as help protect our waterways from untreated stormwater and wastewater."

Although the commission recognises that there are intrinsic risks associated with all forms of water recycling, it considers that scientific advances coupled with improved regulatory arrangements mean that these risks can now be managed within safety levels that are equivalent to other supply sources.

The commission therefore calls for the removal of arbitrary policy bans on water recycling - including for drinking purposes - and for leadership by governments and the water sector to advance this vital issue.

Decisions on whether to use recycling for drinking purposes should be made in light of four conditions.

They should be based on objective cost/benefit and risk analyses, be informed by the best available science, be subject to Australia’s world-leading regulatory arrangements, and involve the community in transparent and participatory decision making.

According to commissioners, Australian communities have every right to know the costs, benefits and risks involved in all water supply options.

In its position statement, the commission has recommended specific reforms in governance, costing processes and science and technology.

Political leadership and collaborative approaches by governments top the list, recognising that the rejection of recycling in one jurisdiction makes acceptance in others more difficult.

The water sector also has an important role in educating communities and building confidence about recycled water.

The commission’s position statement is available at www.nwc.gov.au.