Friday 18 September

CSIRO Scientists turn stormwater into drinking water

According to a Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) media release of 17 September their scientists have bottled ‘Recharge’, pure drinking water that was once stormwater.

“This is an exciting demonstration of the value of stormwater and the drinking water that can be produced from it by using a combination of natural treatment processes and engineered methods,” CSIRO’s 'Water for a Healthy Country', Flagship Urban Water Stream Leader Dr Peter Dillon said.

The water was captured in the City of Salisbury, on the Northern Adelaide Plains in South Australia.  It was stored under Salisbury in a porous limestone aquifer 160m below ground.  “ This is an exciting demonstration of the value of stormwater and the drinking water that can be produced from it by using a combination of natural treatment processes and engineered methods,” CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country Flagship Urban Water Stream Leader Dr Peter Dillon said.

When recovered it was found to meet drinking water health standards.

“The stormwater was first treated by passing it through a reed bed or wetland,” Dr Dillon said. “This allows particles to settle.  It was then injected via wells into a limestone aquifer for storage and months of natural slow filtration through the aquifer.”

After recovery the water was rigorously tested in National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratories.

For extra safeguard and aesthetic quality the water was aerated, filtered through an activated carbon filter and it underwent microfiltration and ultraviolet disinfection.   Editors note: This system sounds awfully familiar.....Oh yes, the residents of the old Douglas Shire thought they had one of these microfiltration and ultraviolet disinfection systems but apparently that one doesn't do the job !

‘Recharge’ complies with the same health standards as tap and bottled water.

Dr Dillon said the water demonstrates that drinking water can be produced from stormwater, and that the concept can be part of a suite of diversified water supply options.  “Compared to other common alternative supplies stormwater harvesting is cheaper, energy efficient and has a small carbon footprint.  “It also avoids the economic, social and environmental costs of building new dams for water storage and shows the value of urban aquifers.”

CSIRO scientists are continuing to test the robustness of the concept to ensure water can be produced that consistently meets drinking water health standards.

‘Recharge’ was produced by CSIRO’s 'Water for a Healthy Flagship' and the City of Salisbury.

Editors Comment : According to reports from the Douglas Region deputation that met with Cairns water two weeks ago, the independent 'consultant'and highly respected Professor Bursill had his report and his credentials questioned after suggesting some positive action that could remedy the current need for chemicals to be in our water supply. 

Would those Officers at Cairns Water now like to question the scientists at CSIRO ?  The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world. 

So, surely the question that should be asked is, how come CSIRO scientists can turn Stormwater into drinking water without chemicals but our council can't turn pure mountain water into chemical free drinking water ? 

How much more supportive information is going to be needed before Cairns Water start taking the appropriate remedial action rather than the easy one.   

If Cairns Water aren't up to the job, why don't they ask for some help from CSIRO ?