Reuse In Western Victoria

摘要

In common with the rest of Southern Australia, Victoria has been subjected over the past ten years to a drought of unprecedented extent, but the worst hit has been to the west of Melbourne, with regional cities such as Bendigo reduced to less than 10% storage capacity and some cities placed on stringent Stage 4 restrictions. The reaction of the water authorities has been to institute the reuse of treated wastewater, each in a fashion to suit their individual circumstances. One facet mentioned by all has been the significant reduction of the inflow to their treatment plants, as householders, stimulated by the restrictions, not only reduce the use of water within the home but also endeavour to maintain their gardens by using their own grey water, either by buckets or in engineered systems. (For example, Ballarat South inflow has reduced from 25ML per day down to 14ML per day and in recent months as low as 8ML per day).