MishpishWater water, what to do
February 16th 2007 03:07
OK, I've run out of time to actually research a topic today. Sorry. But I thought I'd quickly drop the water issue topic down for discussion:
First of all, I will fully come out clean and say all I know about the issue of water supplies comes back to the sound bites that we hear on the nightly news. (I'm talking about Sydney news, by the way). However drought is an international issue, so it really applies to everyone.
Options heard over soundbytes:
- Tapping into underground reserves (heard over promotional Sydney Water radio ads)
- De-salination plants (from what I know expensive to run, based on the backlash last year when the NSW govt introduced this idea)
- Recycled water (how much will this cost and how efficient is it?)
- Better use of household water usage (grey water, rain water tanks, lower usage shower heads etc).
The last option seems to be the least discussed, yet the most obvious.
I guess I picked this topic as I feel a bit confused and in the dark about the issue. What methods are best environmentally? The issue is a real political football and it seems the solutions offered are only provided to serve a political party's voter count. As NSW is a short time from its state election this issue is looking to become the 'big' one, and the basis for which way people vote. In particular after the opposition released it's 'alternative' option for pumping up sydney's water supply.
Another thing I'd like to know is how much of the water used is from household use versus business? I heard household water was 70% but that seems really high, unless factories have become more efficient at using water.
I'll do some research for the next blog on this topic, looking at how other governments are tackling the issue. If anyone has any thoughts or can point me in the right direction, that would be great.
First of all, I will fully come out clean and say all I know about the issue of water supplies comes back to the sound bites that we hear on the nightly news. (I'm talking about Sydney news, by the way). However drought is an international issue, so it really applies to everyone.
Options heard over soundbytes:
- Tapping into underground reserves (heard over promotional Sydney Water radio ads)
- De-salination plants (from what I know expensive to run, based on the backlash last year when the NSW govt introduced this idea)
- Better use of household water usage (grey water, rain water tanks, lower usage shower heads etc).
The last option seems to be the least discussed, yet the most obvious.
I guess I picked this topic as I feel a bit confused and in the dark about the issue. What methods are best environmentally? The issue is a real political football and it seems the solutions offered are only provided to serve a political party's voter count. As NSW is a short time from its state election this issue is looking to become the 'big' one, and the basis for which way people vote. In particular after the opposition released it's 'alternative' option for pumping up sydney's water supply.
Another thing I'd like to know is how much of the water used is from household use versus business? I heard household water was 70% but that seems really high, unless factories have become more efficient at using water.
I'll do some research for the next blog on this topic, looking at how other governments are tackling the issue. If anyone has any thoughts or can point me in the right direction, that would be great.
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Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
hmm, an interesting topic indeed *chuckle* you raise good points and you know my views. I have written a couple articles on water on evirowarrior - putting links here - to help you further the debate? The more awareness raised, the better.
Saving Water
Rain Barrels
Emoto's World of Water
Is there a drought?
What's Wrong with desalination plants?
I hope you get some useful information from them and look forward to future discussions on this one...
Caio for now,
Lilla ...