Changing of the water recycling paradigm in Australia

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-618
Author(s):  
M. H. Muston

The development of water recycling schemes in Australia has, in recent years, undergone a maturity characterised by some emerging trends in the paradigm of water reuse and its integration into the overall water supply strategies for large urban and peri-urban areas. This paper looks at case studies within the context of these observed trends and discusses the institutional frameworks as well as some technical aspects of the case studies to illustrate the trends. Comparison is made with some selected international examples to develop a better understanding of these recent Australian developments within the international context. While not a complete inventory of the many recent recycling schemes in Australia, the paper examines these emerging trends within the context of the growing number of larger-scale industrial, agricultural and dual reticulation urban recycled water systems in Australia and the trend to decentralised recycling schemes.

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. C. Hambly ◽  
R. K. Henderson ◽  
A. Baker ◽  
R. M. Stuetz ◽  
S. J. Khan

A rapid, highly sensitive method for detection of cross-connections between recycled and potable water in dual reticulation systems is required. The aim of this research was to determine the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a monitoring tool at three Australian dual distribution (drinking and recycled water) systems. Weekly grab samples of recycled and potable water were obtained over 12 weeks at each site and analysed for fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy, UV254, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), electrical conductivity and pH. Fluorescence EEM spectroscopy was able to differentiate between recycled and potable water at each site by monitoring the protein-like fluorescence at peak T—an excitation-emission wavelength pair of λex/em = 300/350 nm. While electrical conductivity was also able to distinguish between recycled and potable water, the differentiation was greatest when using fluorescence. For example, the peak T fluorescence in recycled water was up to 10 times that of potable water in comparison with electrical conductivity that had a maximum 5 times differentiation. Furthermore, by comparing the protein-like fluorescence at peak T and humic-like fluorescence at peak A (λex/em = 235/426 nm), the three different recycled water systems were able to be differentiated. Overall, fluorescence shows promise as a monitoring tool for detecting cross-connections.


Topophilia ◽  
2017 ◽  
pp. 58-65
Author(s):  
Eliza Manzer

This paper discusses the sustainability benefits through the installation of living green roofs and walls in urban areas. A brief history of these living systems is provided to give context to the reader. Different kinds of green roofs and walls, how they are maintained, and their many benefits will be discussed. The many public and private benefits for cities that implement these systems will be examined. Then two case studies in different locations will be looked at that examine different benefits of green roofs in two different climates.


2004 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 309-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Noh ◽  
I. Kwon ◽  
H.-M. Yang ◽  
H.-L. Choi ◽  
H. Kim

In Korea, the current water resources will fall short by 2.6 billion tons to meet the 38 billion ton water demand in the year 2020. To overcome the future water shortage, it is desirable to minimize water consumption and to reuse treated wastewater. There are a total of 99 on-site water-recycling systems in the country. The potential capacity of the 99 systems is 429 thousands tons/day, which is 3.6% of the total service water. Compared to other industrialized countries, the number of the water recycling systems in Korea is extremely small. This is mainly due to the following reasons. First, in Korea, any building with more than 60,000 m2 of total floor space is required to install a water reuse system by law. However, only less than 0.5% of the total buildings have more than 10,000 m2. Therefore, the regulation is ineffective and merely nominal. Second, service water is supplied at low charge (0.20 US-dollar/m3 water). The inexpensive service water often discourages people to recycle treated wastewater. Third, people still think recycled water is not clean enough and can cause diseases. Therefore, they should be informed that a well-maintained recycling system does not fail to produce water with high quality.


2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. M. Smith ◽  
P. Rutter ◽  
P. Jeffrey

The Old Ford Water Recycling Plant, operated by Thames Water, was used to supply non-potable recycled blackwater to some of the venues at the London 2012 Games. In an effort to learn from this experience, Thames Water commissioned a survey of visitors to the Olympic Park during the Games to explore public responses to the water recycling project. Results show a very high level of support for using non-potable recycled blackwater, both in public venues and in homes. Such findings may indicate a growing receptivity towards this technology, and show that Thames Water (and other private water companies) are well placed to encourage and even lead public discussion around the role of water reuse in the future of urban water supplies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Turner ◽  
P. Mukheibir ◽  
C. Mitchell ◽  
J. Chong ◽  
M. Retamal ◽  
...  

Much can be learned from the numerous water recycling schemes currently in operation in Australia, especially with respect to making investment decisions based on uncertain assumptions. This paper illustrates through a number of case studies, that by considering the contextual and project related risks, a range of business related risks become apparent. Shifts in the contextual landscape and the various players’ objectives can occur over the life of a project, often leading to unforeseen risk and uncertainty. Through a thorough consideration of the potential risks presented in this paper, proponents as well as owners and managers might make better recycled water investment decisions, enhancing the benefits and minimizing the costs of water recycling schemes. This paper presents an overview and discussion of seven key factors to consider when planning a recycling scheme.


2008 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
June Marks ◽  
Bill Martin ◽  
Maria Zadoroznyj

Ensuring adequate water supplies in urban Australia is a problem of considerable concern to State and federal governments. A variety of technical solutions are available, including water recycling. While there has been policy support for water recycling, public perceptions are seen by industry stakeholders as a significant impediment to the implementation of recycled water schemes. This article reports baseline data on attitudes to water recycling and its uses in a representative sample of Australians from major urban areas. Sociological frameworks for interpreting the results focus on understanding how people assess the risks associated with recycled water. Three perspectives are outlined, and their consistency with the survey results is analysed. The epistemologically realist view, often the fallback of water professionals and policy makers, is shown to have limited applicability. An interpretation focused on the cultural meanings associated with different forms and uses of water is found to be consistent with many aspects of Australians' expressed views about water recycling, as is a view focused on the `risk society' thesis. The article considers the implications of these findings.


2007 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hurlimann

This paper reports results from a study comparing perceived risk associated with various recycled water uses in two Australian locations, both in the state of Victoria: the capital city Melbourne, and Bendigo a regional urban centre. Both locations are experiencing ‘drought’, but Bendigo is experiencing this in a more acute manner. A case study is used in each location. Both case studies involve future use of recycled water in new commercial buildings. An on-line survey was used to measure attitudes to recycled water of the future occupants of both buildings. The study found perceived risk associated with 11 uses of recycled water increased as the use became increasingly personal. Interestingly, no difference in perceived risk associated with 11 uses of recycled water was found between locations. Prior experience (use) of recycled water was found to be a significant and positive factor in reducing risk perception. Various attitudinal variables were found to be significant influences on perceived risk. Results indicate that reducing perceived risk of recycled water use may increase satisfaction with its use.


1982 ◽  
Vol 14 (9-11) ◽  
pp. 1385-1392
Author(s):  
K D Linstedt

A review is provided of the world water resource situation. Water reuse is discussed as a means of augmenting conventional supplies, with types of potential reuse applications identified. Considerations of water quality, cost, public acceptance, and institutional constraints are discussed for their impact on decisions regarding implementation of water reuse.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (15) ◽  
pp. 880-897
Author(s):  
Tristian Bounds ◽  
Pete Munoz ◽  
Jeff Pringle
Keyword(s):  

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