Perth has unveiled a plan to return up to 30 per cent of its treated wastewater to underground aquifers. The initiative highlights the importance of using environmental cleaning products instead of pouring dangerous chemicals down the drain.
A $500 million wastewater recycling plan has been released for Perth, aimed at drought-proofing the city.
The eco-friendly initiative will increase the amount of treated wastewater entering the city’s aquifers from six to 30 per cent by 2030.
Wastewater includes treated industrial liquid waste and stormwater. Chemicals including disinfectants and cleaners such as laundry powder found in wastewater and stormwater run-off can contaminate soil and waterways.
Perth’s Water Corporation has unveiled the recycling plan as part of its 50-year ‘Water Forever’ program.
“This new investment will see the Water Corporation transfer more of its groundwater abstraction to the deeper Perth Yarragadee, Leederville and coastal aquifers, which will have a positive impact on some wetlands and lakes,” Water Minister Bill Marmion said.
Water scarcity has become a key concern in Perth, where:
- Winter rainfall has dropped 20 per cent in recent years;
- Dams supplying the city are at just 35 per cent of capacity and inflows have dropped 70 per cent in the past 30 years;
Recycling wastewater is an integral part of the city’s water strategy.
Extreme green strategies – including reduced chemical usage – play a significant role in improving water health.
Environmental cleaning products are becoming increasingly popular as corporate businesses, industrial factories and government bodies look to reduce their environmental footprint.
WA environment group Conservation Council has identified gas fracking, inefficient new homes and heavy water using industries as the major threats to Perth’s water security.
“The Water Corporation’s plan to drought-proof Perth sounds good, but it cannot be taken seriously when the government is failing to act on these major threats to Perth’s water future which are out of the Water Corporations control,” Piers Verstegen said.
“The Corporation’s plan will rely heavily on deep underground aquifers for Perth’s future water supply; however these water sources are under immediate threat from the toxic gas fracking industry.”
Perth-based environment cleaning products supplier Envirosafe Solutions has worked with industries including mining and manufacturing to improve environmental outcomes by reducing chemical reliance.
“When you pour something down the sink or drain it doesn’t just disappear,” director Murray Simon said.
“Choosing products that are non-toxic and biodegradable is a small step that can make a big difference to the environment, especially when we are treating wastewater and returning it to our aquifers.”
For more information on safe, non-toxic disinfectants, mineral deposit remover, glass cleaner and other eco-friendly liquid products contact Envirosafe Solutions’ on 1300 88 90 70 or email info@evss.com.au.
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