On Australia’s western coast, the city of Perth is in critical danger of depleting the water reserves held by its dams. In response, the government is pumping treated wastewater into the Gnangara Mound Aquifer. Wastewater is being recycled in hopes that it will alleviate the stress placed on Perth’s water supply; the highly treated water could reach homes within 18 months.
Western Australia has been experiencing drought conditions since 1970, with winter rain levels decreasing as much as 20% since that decade according to WA Today after a study on the drought was released. The reservoirs that typically provide Perth’s drinking water are currently around 20% full so the government is looking into alternatives. Since a study by the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Water Research predicts that supplies will run out by the 2012 summer if nothing is done, finding an alternative water supply is urgent. Read more
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