A framework for alternative urban water supplies - phase 1
(Consultation was completed in September 2006)
Victoria's prosperity depends on secure water supplies for our homes, farms, environment and industry. Population growth, increasingly less reliable rainfall and degrading river systems combine to increase pressure on our limited water resources.
Reducing the amount of water we use (saving water) is one way to protect the state's water supplies; another way is by collecting and recycling alternative water sources such as rainwater, stormwater, greywater and sewage. An increasing number of Victorians are interested in, or are already using, alternatives such as rainwater tanks and reusing laundry water on the garden.
The Victorian Government White Paper, Our Water Our Future, charged EPA Victoria and the Department of Human Services with the task of reviewing the public health and environmental framework for alternative urban water supplies.
The State Government has released a discussion paper, A Framework for Alternative Urban Water Supplies, which presents the results of the review. The discussion paper looks at how Victorians can make use of these alternative water supplies safely and sustainably. It proposes a new framework of guidance and regulation to support the safe and sustainable use of rainwater, stormwater, greywater and recycled sewage effluent.
A summary technical report, which informed this discussion paper, as well as a detailed technical report and Appendix B (Risk Assessment and Management Controls - Detailed and Summary Tables), are available to those seeking more detailed technical information.
In March and April 2006, public consultation sessions were held in Melbourne and regional centres across Victoria, as part of the feedback process. The feedback provided is now informing the regulatory framework supporting the safe and sustainable use of rainwater, stormwater, greywater and recycled sewage effluent.