Access to clean, safe water for household use is not guaranteed in certain parts of the world, including some regions of Australia. Wastewater recycling offers a solution to this problem that is both safe and reliable. Getting the public on board with using recycled wastewater for drinking, cooking, and washing, however, is easier said than done.

Many who have opposed the use of recycled wastewater for household use have suggested using stormwater instead. Unfortunately, given that the availability of stormwater is dependent on the weather, and that costly infrastructure would need to be developed to both clean and store it, using recycling stormwater for household water use is not a viable solution.

Household wastewater, however, is a reliable source for reuse. 80% of water used in households leaves through the sewers. This water travels on to treatment plants where it is cleaned to the point that it is safe enough for a variety of uses. Using recycled wastewater in households, businesses, and agriculture would ensure access to a dependable supply of clean, safe water.

All the water we use is recycled, given that the Earth’s supply of water is endlessly traveling through the water cycle. When we reuse and recycle water, we are simply speeding that cycle up. In Australia, wastewater is reused for certain things, mainly for release back into rivers, where it is eventually used in downstream regions. With drought occurring in many regions of Australia, it is important that wastewater is cleaned and reused in more ways, including in households for cooking, drinking, and washing.       

Wastewater recycling efforts have been successful in many places around the world, including Singapore, Essex, California, New Mexico, and Virginia. By educating citizens and guaranteeing that water treatment plants are held to rigorous quality and safety standards, these regions were able to generate acceptance of recycled wastewater. 

In Australia, the same educational campaigns can help people from all walks of life understand and change their attitudes about recycled wastewater. By creating positive conversations about the safety and reliability of recycled wastewater, communities in Australia that are experiencing water shortages can move towards securing a supply of clean, safe water for the future.