Recycled Water News

PurplePipe’s The Tap - Summer 2011/12

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 21:46:06 +1100

“Summer brings a number of opportunities for dual-pipe (class A) recycled water residents.

Water Minister Peter Walsh announced Melbournians will return to Stage 1 water restrictions from 1 December 2011 whilst the price for recycled water has grown substantially ...”

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The Tap - Summer 2011

HAVE YOUR SAY: Casey-Cardinia residents want a break on bills

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:49:29 +1100

BY PETER STRACHAN
Courtesy of Berwick Leader (News Community Media)

“THOUSANDS of Casey-Cardinia residents are pressing for bigger discounts on their purple-pipe recycled water bills when new rates are struck next year.

Their cause is being championed by the PurplePipe Association, a community-based body set up to raise awareness and promote the benefits of class A recycled water. ....”

Link to view full article:
Berwick Leader - incorporating Pakenham-Cardinia Leader

PurplePipe comment:

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has started the Metropolitan Melbourne Water Price consultation process. The Water Retailers are required to submit new pricing proposals for potable, recycled water and sewage disposal from May 2012 for the five year period 2013-2018.

The full consultation process runs up to May 2013 whereby the ESC releases its Final decision.

Some of the key discussion items from PurplePipe include:

• Recycled water users see diminished value as potable water suburbs can now maintain green lawns and wash cars once again now that Stage 1 water restrictions were announced in December 2011.
• Review the WIRO to send improved price signals (Water Industry Regulatory Order)
• To de-couple Recycled Water pricing from the price hikes associated with potable (drinking) water and in doing so, return the price to $1 per KL
• Improve the speed of delivery for projects enhancing the quality (colour and odour) in regions that this is an issue
• Allocate more funding to enhance community engagement and communication, education and public awareness
• Review rebates and subsidies associated with expanding its use within existing third-pipe communities (for example: retro-fit for washing machine use were supported by local Water Retailers)
• Review measures and targets so that on-site Treatment plant Recycled Water usage is removed from volume targets of use

Time to tap into water recycling

Thu, 19 May 2011 01:20:44 +1000

BY FRAN LOGAN
Courtesy of The West Australian

“WA is running headlong into a water crisis. Declining rainfall and increasing demand from a growing population is limiting the availability of drinking water. Yet a huge volume of available water can be tapped into if we were willing to accept it - it's the water we flush down our drains every day. ....”

Link to view full article:
The West Australian

PurplePipe comment:

The debate on Recycling of wastewater for drinking purposes has a long way to go. Significant education and awareness is still required on removing the stigma or “Yuk” factor on using Class A Recycled Water for out-door use and toilet flushing - drinking it for many is out of the question.

Why not have our governments focus on current day initiatives that encourage its growth and take-up for existing purposes (gardens, out-doors, toilet-flushing and recently some Retailers now include washing machine use).

These include:
• Review the WIRO to send improved price signals (Water Industry Regulatory Order)
• De-couple Recycled Water pricing from the price hikes associated with potable (drinking) water
• Improve the speed of delivery for projects enhancing the quality (colour and odour) in regions that this is an issue
• Allocate more funding to enhance community engagement and communication, education and public awareness
• Review rebates and subsidies associated with expanding its use within existing third-pipe communities (for example: retro-fit for washing machine use were supported by local Water Retailers)
• Review measures and targets so that on-site Treatment plant Recycled Water usage is removed from volume targets of use

Commission slams desal plants

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 01:27:45 +1000

By LAUREN WILSON
The Australian

“PROLONGED water restrictions and expensive desalination plants are the least efficient way of providing water security, the government's key economic advisory body has found.
In a scathing draft report, the Productivity Commission yesterday called for an urgent overhaul of the urban water sector, declaring consumers were paying more than necessary for their water as a result of poor government decision-making ....”

Link to view full article:
The Australian

PurplePipe comment:

We support the urgent reform of Australia's urban water sector with new consideration needed to be given to the expanded use of recycled water.

Governments can improve current day initiatives that encourage its growth and take-up for existing purposes (gardens, out-doors, toilet-flushing and recently some Retailers now include washing machine use).

These include:
• Review the WIRO to sent improved price signals (Water Industry Regulatory Order)
• De-couple Recycled Water pricing from the price hikes associated with potable (drinking) water
• Improve the speed of delivery for projects enhancing the quality (colour and odour) in regions that this is an issue
• Allocate more funding to enhance community engagement and communication, education and public awareness
• Review rebates and subsidies associated with expanding its use within existing third-pipe communities (for example: retro-fit for washing machine use were supported by local Water Retailers)
• Review measures and targets so that on-site Treatment plant Recycled Water usage is removed from volume targets of use

Have your say

A lesson in recycling

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 23:52:11 +1100

BY SUSAN LIU
Courtesy of Mt Druitt St Marys Standard - News Ltd

“STUDENTS can pick up some recycling tips with the opening of the Water Recycling Education Centre in St Marys.

The education centre is part of the $209 million St Marys Water Recycling Plant and aims to boost the community education resources of Sydney Water ....”

Link to view full article:
News Ltd

PurplePipe comment:

Great initiative - we hope to see more facilities open their doors nationally for enhancing the education of Recycled Water and its critical role in our nations water strategy for the future.