Research study into access to recycled water: impediments to recycled water investment

Abstract

A report by the Australian Academy of Technical Sciences and Energy (AATSE), Water Recycling in Australia (2003-04), and research by CSIRO, Exploring the Institutional Impediments to Conservation and Water Reuse (2004), indicated that a lack of a clear access/entitlement system for recycled water could be impeding investment in recycled water schemes. To test this theory and to identify and gauge the importance of other potential impediments, ACIL Tasman was commissioned by all Australian governments to undertake a literature review and a two-stage survey of key stakeholders in the water supply and sewerage service industry in Australia.The focus of the study was primarily to provide information to governments to assist in their development of policies to encourage the greater use of recycled water. The research paper should also assist stakeholders from the water industry to identify the importance of particular impediments when evaluating the viability of new schemes and develop approaches to overcoming them.In summary, the results of this research indicate that the key perceived impediments to investment in recycled water schemes are: the absolute and relative cost of recycled water, the lack of financial incentives for developing recycled water schemes and complexity in project implementation. Other significant impediments include: unclear liability (and stakeholder responsibility) and public perceptions of health risks in the use of recycled water. It is interesting to note that only a minority across all stakeholder groups saw the issue of access/entitlement to water as a major impediment, however, this minority was adamant about the importance of this issue.