ATSE report proposes Australia recycles drinking water

A report by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has proposed that the country considers recycling its drinking water.

The report focuses on the direct potable reuse of water (DPR), where treated water is returned to the drinking water distribution system.

ATSE said that benefits of DPR include reduced energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, lower capital and operational costs as well as a more robust climate-independent water supply.

University of New South Wales (NSW) water specialist and report writer Stuart Khan said that the science, technology and engineering associated with DPR have been rapidly advancing in recent decades.

"DPR is technically feasible and can safely supply potable water directly into the water distribution system, but advanced water treatment plants are complex and need to be designed correctly and operated effectively with appropriate oversight," Khan added.

The existing Australian regulatory arrangements can already accommodate soundly designed and operated DPR systems.

Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence and Urban Water Security Research Alliance member Ian Law said that water recycling is playing a significant role in the diversification of water supplies globally.

"Water professionals and researchers in Australia and elsewhere have shown that potable reuse, and indeed direct potable reuse, is a safe and sustainable water supply option that must be considered in the development of future water supply portfolios," he said.

"This divide between water supply reality and political will must be removed if cost-effective and sustainable water supplies into the future are to be realised."

---

Image: University of NSW water specialist Stuart Khan. Photo: courtesy of Sculpture by the Sea.