In recent years there has been increased interest in the use of non-drinking water to supplement or partially replace scheme (drinking water) supplies. Drivers include reduced rainfall, climate change predictions, population growth, the cost to the community and the environment of developing new sources, and increased public awareness of the need to conserve our high quality water resources. Possible uses of non-drinking water include irrigating public open space or household gardens and for toilet flushing.
Non-drinking water systems are encouraged provided they meet water quality standards for protecting public health and the environment and they reduce demand for drinking water without increasing the total volume of water used.
This Draft approval framework for the use of non-drinking water in Western Australia, provides simplified and clearly defined approval requirements for non-drinking water systems in urban developments.
The framework guides proponents step by step through the approval requirements for establishing a non-drinking water system. It provides information on the general considerations and approval-specific considerations for non-drinking water systems and arranges these approval requirements in a logical four-stage process. It also involves a commitment by government agencies to work collaboratively in the approval of non-drinking water systems.
The Department of Water (Recycling and Efficiency section) is the lead agency for the approval process. Proponents will receive consolidated, across-agency advice prepared by the Department of Water.
The framework document was released as a draft in October 2010 with the intention of reviewing and finalising it after one year of operation. Because of its limited application over this period, an assessment of its adequacy at this point in time will be of limited benefit. The review has therefore been deferred to March 2012.
For further information, please contact recycling@water.wa.gov.au