Small Water and Wastewater Systems Conferences

11/2/04
Localised, on-site wastewater treatment is the key to saving our precious water resources.
This was the message from Environment Minister, Dr Judy Edwards, who today opened the sixth International Conference on Small Water and Wastewater Systems and the first International Conference on Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Recycling.
Dr Edwards said that there was a continuing need for water and wastewater treatment plants with an average flow of less than 1,000 kilolitres a day - particularly in peripheral urban and small regional areas, and in developing countries.
"The design of smaller units has led to the development of systems that are efficient, economic to run and need little maintenance and supervision," she said.
"The conferences were timely and could lead to an important contribution towards managing the State's water supplies in the face of a predicted drying climate."
The State Water Strategy, released by the Premier in February 2003, had set a target of 20 per cent reuse of treated wastewater by 2012.
"Although this will be mainly achieved by reuse schemes associated with the Perth region sewage scheme, the contribution of small on-site wastewater treatment and reuse schemes, including household grey water systems, will be significant," Dr Edwards said.
"Small water and wastewater treatment systems were also important for remote communities in Western Australia where the cost of supply of potable water was high.
"Efficient and reliable on-site facilities to treat wastewater for reuse would be of considerable benefit in these situations."
The Waterwise rebate scheme, part of the State Water Strategy, included a rebate on approved household grey water systems of $500.
The conferences would bring together more than 200 scientists, engineers, professionals and consultants from Government departments and private research, education and training institutions from all parts of Australia, and the world.
Conferences venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle, February 11-13.
Minister's Office - 9220 5050