Government Admits Failure On Water Management As It Moves Closer to Desalination

Friday, 19 January 2007 23:13

TEC has called on the government not view desalination as a panacea for Sydney’s water problems but as a strong signal more needs to be done on sustainable water solutions for Sydney.

“The Government is looking for a quick fix rather than a sustainable long term solution to Sydney’s water shortage. Desalination must be viewed by government as last resort, emergency measure and kept as small as possible. It should never be used as a substitute for sustainable urban water management”, Mr Angel said.

Sydney urgently needs the government to announce plans for securing Sydney’s water supply with less expensive and environmentally friendly alternatives to desalination. This should include a commitment to indirect potable reuse as a safe and reliable source of supply and permanent water restriction to embed conservation.

“The Government has been paying lip service to measures such as recycling and rainwater tanks while charging headlong towards desalination. It must immediately announce plans for a massive program to boost installation of rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines, introduce permanent water conservation measures and show leadership on indirect potable recycling”, Mr Angel said.