Drought relief in South East, Queensland, Australia, provided by membrane‐reclaimed water

Abstract

Many communities across the United States and around the world are experiencing, or will experience, water supply shortages. This article discusses Queensland, Australia's holistic approach to the problem and will help utilities better understand state‐of‐the‐art water reclamation and recycling. Queensland's range of solutions to water shortages includes high‐technology equipment and effective public communications resulting in high levels of public support and “belt tightening” conservation. Part of Queensland's multifaceted approach is the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project, one of the world's largest high‐technology water recycling projects. The program involves applying micro‐ and ultramembrane filtration, reverse osmosis, and advanced oxidation to provide potable‐quality water for industrial use at major power plants, irrigation of, and, if needed, augmentation of the community's source water reservoir. Effective public communications have led to public support, which has been a key to success. Survey results for 2007 show that 71% of residents supported recycled water use and have successfully conserved water, with a per capita residential use of only 32 gpd (123 L/d), likely one of the best water saving communities in the developed world. Queensland's experience may help other communities understand the range of options that are available.