Presented by Mark ODonohue CEO - Centre of Excellence
Australian Water Recycling Centre of Excellence
Slide 2
Water Recycling in Australia Australia has a growing population
and a drying climate and we will face significant challenges in the
future of finding enough water Water Recycling is strongly
supported, and the vast majority of people are very enthusiastic
about water recycling, and believe we should be recycling water
more The Centre is investing in rigorous and independent research
projects to help enhance the efficiency and acceptance of recycled
water because it will play a significant part of securing
Australias water supply in the future The Water Sector is investing
in a broad range of alternative water sources, including recycled
water which is currently being used in homes, agriculture and
industry.
Slide 3
Initial funding from the Commonwealth Government ($20million)
AWRCoE Ltd not for profit R&D company limited by guarantee
Centre designed to be a national point of focus and independent
advocate and supporter of water recycling R&D Centre R&D
project teams comprise utility, private sector, government, and
research entities Centre members comprise the Centres Research
Advisory Committee and help set the Strategic Research agenda
Centre Overview
Slide 4
Water Recycling is only one component required to secure
Australias future water supply portfolio R&D investment should
help position Australia as a leader in water recycling knowledge
and know-how Typically R&D investments are not designed for
short-term needs R&D outcomes will help us prepare for the next
period of reduced water availability & help argue the value of
water recycling to irrigation, industry, food production and the
environment Context for Centre Investment
Slide 5
Long Term Rainfall Trend Water Recycling Drivers Urban
centres
Slide 6
Centres Research Goals
Slide 7
Aim: to support successful public engagement and address
stakeholder concerns on potable (drinking water quality) reuse
across Australia Reclaimed water is seen as an acceptable option to
augment drinking water supplies Strong water sector support for
this research goal eg. WSAA, NWC, AWA Currently a number of streams
of research assessing and addressing the technological,
institutional and social aspects of water recycling for
drinking
Slide 8
Why the ATSE Project Australia has taken the first steps with
development of national guidelines for water recycling for drinking
and recent implementation of groundwater recycling in Western
Australia Water Recycling is now, and will increasingly become, a
key part of Australias water supply portfolio National Water
Organisations such as our Water Utility Association and National
Water Commission have stressed the need for diversity of supplies
with water recycling for drinking to be considered on its merits
But there is little independent expert assessment on the potential
for recycling water direct to our drinking water supplies
