Why consider alternative water supplies?

Prolonged periods of drought, coupled with increasingly prevalent climate change indicators have led the Victorian Government, the water industry, commercial and residential consumers alike to consider opportunities for water conservation and alternative sources of water supply.

While the Water Act 1989 and Victorian Water Allocation Framework do not fully cover alternative supply sources, they will become incorporated into the framework as policy is developed and legislation is passed.

What alternative supplies are being considered?

The Government has developed the next stage of the Victorian Water Plan which will see $4.9 billion spent in major water infrastructure projects to provide the biggest boost to Victoria's water supplies in 25 years. Increased use of stormwater and recycled water are two important alternative sources of supply in the plan.

Stormwater is untreated run-off from urban areas. It is typically high in contaminants including litter, hydrocarbons from roads and other human and animal waste. For this reason it is not suitable for human use without further treatment.

Stormwater is typically discharged into waterways or the ocean. Before it reaches waterways/ocean, stormwater is the responsibility of local government under the Local Government Act 1989. After it reaches waterways, stormwater becomes part of the normal water allocation framework.

Recycled water is water derived from sewerage systems or trade waste that has been treated for re-use.

In 2006/07 approximately 22.5% of Melbourne’s wastewater was recycled through agricultural, residential parks and gardens and industrial recycling schemes.

Recycled water is not specifically covered by the water allocation framework until it reaches a waterway. After it reaches waterways, recycled water becomes part of the normal water allocation framework.

Desalination: a major desalination plant is to supply up to 150 billion litres of water a year to Melbourne, Geelong and South Gippsland and Western Port towns. Construction of the plant is scheduled to commence in 2009 in order to start delivering water by the end of 2011. The project will include an 85 kilometre pipeline to connect the plant to Melbourne. It will be capable of providing around a third of Melbourne's annual water supply.