Scope for the Productive Use of Waste-waters in South Australian Country Towns

Economic development in some country towns of South Australia is curtailed by a lack of reticulated water. Greater use of local water resources, especially second class water, can release the reticulated potable water for new development. The major constraint to assessment is the hydrological data available, and several methods were used to estimate runoff from rainfall. Options investigated include rainwater tanks, enlarging the connected roof area, reuse of sewage effluents for irrigation, catchment sealing to increase runoff, reducing evaporation using floating covers, artificial recharge of groundwater and demand reduction using water saving devices. The less expensive options cannot meet all the water needs, and a mix of schemes is required. Conjunctive use can also increase the water yield. Costs of water harvesting can be shared by multiple use of facilities.