: News Article

Water wisdom cuts costs

1/08/2003

The residents of Townsville and Thuringowa may be able to keep millions of dollars in their collective wallet for longer as a result of water conservation initiatives.

NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton praised a move by Townsville City Council to investigate private enterprise collaboration to treat sewage to grey water standard, saying it promised great returns to the community.

“Thuringowa City Council is also advanced in introducing water recycling and conservation measures. Early in 2003 they established a contract with the Transfield Services’ Townsville Power Station to reuse treated sewage instead of town water if it can be done economically. Both Thuringowa City Council and Transfield are currently working together to find a solution.”

“We applaud this sort of thinking,” he said. “It has long term environmental and financial benefits.

“Any increase in the amount of water recycled reduces the load on both our treatment facilities and supply system.

“It means NQ Water will be able to defer the significant investment that will one day be needed to upgrade key infrastructure.

NQ Water is happy to work with the councils to encourage these sorts of initiatives.

Mr Hamilton said average daily consumption in the cities reached a peak of around 130 Megalitres in the late 90s and has since leveled out. He said that’s in the face of annual growth of two to three percent a year.

While fluctuating weather patterns over that time made it difficult to identify a clear trend, Mr Hamilton said that greater awareness was making a difference.

“Positive changes are due to a number of factors: the public embracing water conservation measures like regulated shower heads and half-flush toilets as well as a greater awareness that we live in a dry part of the world.”

“There are other ‘demand management’ options being debated in the water industry which are relevant to us. They include a ‘back to the future’ use of rainwater tanks and separate mains for grey water and potable water, among others.”

Contact
Ian Hamilton is available for comment on 0418 777 284. NQ Water Media Liaison Robert Dark is on 0417 623 156.

© 2004 NQ Water