Brits in Australia to study water recycling

A mission from the UK arrives in Australia this month to study water re-use and recycling in the wake of increasing concern in the UK about the twin challenges of climate change and urban development.

These challenges are expected to raise significant long-term questions in the UK over the maintenance of adequate water supplies for domestic, industrial and environmental needs.

The six-strong group, led by Prof Tom Stephenson of Cranfield University, will visit Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Adelaide and Melbourne and meet government and industry leaders to gain insight into the Australian experience with water use, conservation and recycling, and how it might be adapted for use in UK programs.

The mission is also visiting Singapore, which has a current target of increasing the supply of water from non-conventional sources to at least a quarter of demand.

In Australia, the group plans to meet officials from the National Water Commission in Sydney, visit the site for a major industrial water recycling scheme in Wollongong and inspect recycling facilities at the Olympic Village at Homebush Bay.

In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, visits are planned to the Pimpama Coomera Development, which has the potential to reduce demand on the potable supply system by 80%, and the Luggage Point recycled water plant.

In Adelaide, the group plans to discuss the 'Drought Proofing Adelaide' water resources strategy and in Melbourne talk about recycling with Melbourne Water and South East Water.

The mission includes Stephenson, Sian Hills, from Thames Water, Chris Williams, Hydro International, Simon Hudson, WPL Ltd, Ranabir Chanda, Potapak Ltd, and Dr Ian Pallett, the mission manager from British Water.

The mission members believe that demand management of water supplies can provide some benefit, but consideration has to be given to more efficient use of water before returning it to the environment.

There is also a pressing need to examine alternative sources such as greywater re-use, recycling of municipal wastewater, collection of rainwater and desalination.

The mission's timetable in Australia is Sydney 23-27 November, Brisbane 28 November, Adelaide 29 November, and Melbourne 1 December.

For further information, email Graham.Shelley-Jones@fco.gov.uk.