Potable water reuse in Australia: Legal and regulatory frameworks, communication strategies and experiences

This chapter focuses on the legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks on recycled water (also known as water reuse) in Australia in general, with particular reference to potable use in Queensland and Western Australia. It also gives consideration to communication strategies as essential instruments to promote stakeholder involvement. Information presented is on potable and nonpotable water reuse. However, it emphasizes reused water for drinking purposes. Two regions have been selected for this study: first Queensland, because of the two potable water reuse projects that have been halted due to poor communication and public opposition in the case of Toowoomba and on lack of continuity of necessity and political support in the case of the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project; second Western Australia, because of the Groundwater Replenishment Scheme operating in Perth. Potable recycling has proven to have numerous benefits as a reliable source of clean water