Desalination is a water management option that is
used widely around the world and involves taking the
salt out of water to make it drinkable. Many countries
use desalination as a way of creating a more reliable
water supply that is not dependant on rain.
In Australia, the most common desalination process is
reverse osmosis. During reverse osmosis, seawater is
pumped into the desalination plant from the ocean.
The seawater is then forced under pressure and tiny
particles such as salt, bacteria and viruses, are
separated from the seawater. In essence, the water is
passed through tiny microscopic strainers.
About half of the water that enters the plant from the
sea becomes fresh drinking water. The salt and other
impurities removed from the sea water is then returned
to the ocean
Recycled water is the process of converting
wastewater into water that can be reused for other
purposes. Wastewater refers to the used water that
goes down toilets, sinks and drains and into the
sewerage system. About 99% of wastewater is water.
When wastewater is recycled, it goes through several
treatment steps. First, the large particles within the
water are filtered and removed. The following
treatments aim to trap and remove particles that are
smaller than a millionth of a metre. Finally, the water is
disinfected and ready to use.
Recycled water is used in a number of ways, including
water for crops, gardens and toilets.
Stormwater harvesting involves the collection,
treatment and storage of stormwater for its eventual
reuse. Stormwater that is collected can either be
stored in tanks or underground storage units.
First, stormwater is collected and temporarily stored.
Then, the captured water is treated to reduce pollution
levels. The stormwater is then distributed to the area
of use, such as sporting facilities and farms. When the
water arrives in these areas, it is used mainly for the
purpose of irrigation (watering of land areas).
In many cases, stormwater is not treated before it is
used. This will depend on the pollutants the water has
been in contact with.
Inter-regional transfer of water is the moving of
water from one river basin where it is available, to
another basin where water is less available. The
purpose is to balance the distribution of water between
areas.
During the process of inter-regional transfer, a network
of pipes is installed underground. These pipes
transport water from water-rich areas to drier parts of a
country. In Western Australia, the Goldfields Pipeline
carries water from Perth to various communities in
Kalgoorlie. The distance that this water travels through
the pipes is just under 600 kilometres.
Unfortunately, the installation of such a large network
of pipes is extremely costly and time-consuming.
Reducing water consumption involves households
decreasing their daily water use. Often, the
government will encourage people to reduce water
use by making water more expensive and promoting
water-saving techniques.
Households can reduce their water use in a number of
ways. Firstly, water efficient showers, toilets, taps and
appliances can be used. Cars and bikes can also be
washed on the grass, so that the grass is watered at
the same time. In Western Australia, there are also
sprinkler restrictions which limit the amount of times a
garden can be watered each week.
By reducing water consumption, households lessen
their environmental impact.
TASK: There are various national strategies that can be used to address
the issue of water scarcity. TAKE NOTES on each of the strategies
listed below.
DESALINATION
RECYCLED WATER STORMWATER HARVESTING
INTER-REGIONAL TRANSFER SAVING WATER
