Water plan for Melbourne highlights recycling

Victoria has announced a new water management plan for the city of Melbourne which would mean the city would not need another desalination plant for another 50 years.
Water Minister Peter Walsh said that storm water harvesting and using recycled water for non-drinking purposes, such as watering sporting ovals and parks, was the key to managing Melbourne’s long term water needs.
Walsh said more water ran off Melbourne’s streets and into the ocean than the city used in one year.
The Office of Living Victoria would develop a regulatory impact statement of minimum water standards for new buildings, and people will be rewarded for saving water under the plan.
“This postpones the need for another desalt plant or some other major augmentation for up to 50 years,” Walsh said.
The new plan is announced as the new desalination plant at Wonthaggi remains mired in controversy, costing Melbourne ratepayers millions in security payments even when no water is being used.