Towards a sustainable future

Melburnians are increasingly aware that water is a precious resource, and have cut their consumption partly in response to water conservation campaigns. But total consumption, driven by population growth, continues to rise.

The traditional reaction to drought of building new storages is not environmentally or financially sustainable, and we have to adapt better to the Australian climate and protect our river flows and bays by making our water supplies go further.

Wherever possible, Melbourne Water is trying to reduce water demand from reservoirs by selling recycled water from sewage treatment plants to local water retailers. This water is used in agriculture, horticulture, vineyards or to irrigate golf courses and sporting fields. If you are interested in accessing recycled water please contact your local water retailer, Southern Rural Water or TopAq.

This water is a resource, not a waste product, and more water recycled, means less remaining to be discharged.

Other initiatives to replace drinking-quality water, such as rainwater tanks and recycling greywater - wastewater from the kitchen, laundry and bathroom - have gained support, especially for garden watering.

Water-efficient appliances, including washing machines, taps and showers, and water-wise garden practices can make our supplies more sustainable.

Several strategies have been developed over the years to ensure Melbourne has sufficient water supplies to meet future needs. Melbourne Water plays a lead role on the Victorian Government's Water Resources Strategy committee, chairing a project management group and an industry working group that is developing a long-term framework for managing Melbourne's water.

Melbourne Water is a partner in the Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, which has a climate variability program that studies drought forecasting and other hydrological risks.

In future years, climate change and global warming are expected to reduce rainfall over southern Australia and produce more dry spells. The challenges are to better understand the implications of climate change on Melbourne's water supply system, find new and better ways of managing our water resources and balance an array of water needs, including the environment, agriculture, other industry and those of our growing city.

Water consumption - Melbourne

Source: Discussion Starter, Water Resources Strategy, June 2001.