The Wire

Despite chronic and ongoing drought throughout much of Australia the reclamation and reuse of agricultural, industrial and household waste water has not been embraced to anywhere near the extent that it has overseas. However, water-recycling programs are slowly being implemented as governments recognize the need for more sensible water management policies. Last week the NSW government announced plans to construct an integrated sewage and recycling plant in western Sydney. The government claims that the plant will protect Sydney water supplies for the next 10 years. Environmental groups have responded by claiming that the government plan does not go far enough. They are calling for permanent household water restrictions and a much greater commitment to recycling Jeff Angel, Director of the Total Environment believes this new initiative is however a move in the right direction which has put recycling on the main agenda.