Professor MCKAY Jennifer and Anna HURLIMANN BSc (Hons Melb) PhD Candidate The University of South Australia, School of International Business, Water Policy and Law Group
This paper focuses on the role of dual water supplies in meeting water demand and contributing to sustainability. Barriers to the successful implementation of dual supplies will be discussed. These barriers include price, policy and community acceptance. International examples will be drawn upon. The dual water supply at Mawson Lakes in South Australia will be used a case study. Results of a recent survey of the community, prior to the reclaimed water use commencing will be presented indicating results of interest to water policy developers. The paper presents a background to global water shortages including the discussion of a number of techniques employed to deal with water scarcity, including; demand management, technology expansion and wastewater reclamation and reuse.
It is widely recognised that the world is facing a water crisis (Falkenmark and Lindh 1993). This water crisis is occurring as a consequence of a growing world population, accelerating urbanisation, increasing per capita water consumption, and anthropologically driven climate change. Many cities find themselves challenged to meet increasing demands for water, with the added complexity of ageing and inefficient infrastructure. Added to this is the problem of mismatched population distribution and water availability. Techniques employed to combat water scarcity include, but are not limited to: technology expansion, demand management and water reuse.