A Comparison between Two Possible Methods for Water Provision in South East, Queensland, Australia - Essay Example

?A COMPARISON BETWEEN TWO POSSIBLE METHODS FOR WATER PROVISION IN SOUTH EAST, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Australiahas been facing periodical water shortage and dry spells that have been in prevalence for the last one hundred years. Currently, about six percent of the South-East Queensland is facing acute shortage of water and thus severe drought. Colvin unveils that rainfall experienced in South-East Queensland has been significantly below average for the past six years, and this has marked the ten year history of severe water shortage in this part of Australia. The situation of water shortage in Australia has led to steaming debate in the political and public spectrum as blames are exchanged to politicians for failing to establish appropriate policies to ensure water security in the South-East Queensland. A portion of blame is also exchanged to the citizens who are perceived to misuse the water, and the potential drought seasons. Showing regard and concern about water shortage experienced in the South- East Queensland, this report is purposed to identify and propose two possible methods of supplying water in the arid areas of the South-East Queens land in Australia. The report will also analyze the cost effects of the two methods identified and propose the convenient method to be adopted first and the one to be adopted in the process as the actual supply underway. The two methods that shall be addressed by this report will include water recycling and rainwater harvesting. Background The problem of water shortage in the South-East Queensland in Australia dates back about 100 years with the worst historical drought periods was lapsing between 1898 and 1903 (Colvin). However, 1974 offered slight compensation to the past periods of drought as the year experienced historic rains that led to yet historic floods that have never been experienced again in the region. According to Radcliffe (4), the statics of 2003 showing water provision depicted that about 414000ml was used in residential gardens, 183000ml used in laundry, kitchen used 61000ml, and bathroom consumed 317000ml. The 2003 statistics also indicate that the total volume of water consumed in residential was 1219000, industries and businesses consumed 437000ml, local government and its fire-fighters consumer total volume of 139000ml, system losses amounted to 221000ml as errors in client meters amounted to 49000ml (Radcliffe 4). Importance of the Requirements Rainwater harvesting mainly involves collection of rain water that falls on the roofs and surfaces of structure and tapping that water into storage tanks for future use. Rainwater harvesting could also involve collection of the surface runoffs that forms on the ground and directing such water into storage dams and other water reservoirs for future use in irrigation or in households for cleaning items. When such scarce water is collected in the arid areas, it is usually considered as precious element and will be used with great care (Pigram, 2006, p. 145). Harvesting rainwater has been considered to be of lower cost since the process only requires one to have an iron roofed house of structure and water storage tanks, which are usually obtained at cheaper prices. Collection of rainwater is also environmental friendly since water collected reduces flooding, which might break sewerage lines and result to unhealthy environment. Rainwater also has gained massive public recognition and acceptance as one of the best means of obtaining fresh water that is rich in natural mineral elements that are good for health. Water recycling simply means to reuse all ready used and contaminated water but after undergoing series of treatment and safety guaranteed for particular use. The sources of recyclable water include sewerages, municipal wastewaters and grey water among other sources of used waters. Recycling water is a friendly undertake to the environmental safety and sanity. Recycling water helps in reducing contaminations and loads of nutrients that may be hazardous to the life of sea creatures and humans when channelled or happen to flow into the water reservoirs. Recycling water is a process that requires complex processes that also need employment of sophisticated and expensive machines and tools. Rainwater harvesting As indicated by Pigram (2006, p. 147), rainwater harvesting is perhaps one of the cheapest ways of obtaining and supplying water. In order to collect rainwater, one only requires non-porous roof that would resist water from percolating through the roof and instead flow in a certain set direction into the collection tank. People do not need to construct exclusive roofs or structures for water rainwater harvesting, but can reluctantly use the roofs of their houses and city buildings. When families and households capture the rainwater directly, they can be relieved from the cost impact of purchasing water. It is also worth noting that harvesting of rainwater from roofs of houses by households reduces the pressure that would otherwise be exerted on the dams. This will help in cutting costs that would otherwise be needed for constructing new dams to address the large population that rely on damned water (Rain Water Knowledge Centre, 2010). The harvested rainwater is also very cost effective considering that it does not require complex purification processes. Collection of clean rainwater is just very easy as individuals can decide to divert off the tank first rainwater flowing after long absence of rain. Doing this will ensure that dusts and other impurities are not collected and mixed with safe water for human consumption. Furthermore, rainwater harvesting is not only beneficial for human consumption but also for protection of environmental from calamities and degradation such as creeks and floods caused by saturation of rainwater on the ground. Harvesting rainwater also promises environmental safety as the possibility of sewerage lines getting overflowed and even burst is reduced through the diversion of the water into the collecting tanks (Lancaster, 2011, p. 205). Reduced potential of flooding also reduces the flow of bacteria into the receiving water reservoirs. Rainwater has also gained popularity and acceptance by many households who prefer untreated rainwater for drinking assuming that it has high nutrient content. Households have also praised and adopted rainwater harvesting since it helps in cutting water bills and government taxes charged on treatment and supply of water obtained from other alternative sources. In addition, households love rainwater harvesting as it allows them scarce freedom of using water without restrictions from the government or any other providing authority. Water recycling Recycling waste water also ensures supply of safe moistures and water to the natural circulation systems. Recycled waters evaporate into the atmosphere where it forms clouds and then falls back as fresh rain water. However, recycled water provides only 15% of water used in households and manufacturing firms as the rest are channelled into the reticulated streams. Greatest percentages of recycled waters are used for irrigation crops and flowers (Urban Australia Ecology, 2007). Recycled water cannot just be used anyhow, since there are different classes of recycled water for use in industries, in households for cleaning, for agricultural irrigation and human drinking. This fact as regards various classifications of recycled water clearly indicates the cost impact involved in the process of recycling water. Even water for irrigation obtained through the process of recycling varies for all crops. Recycling of water also requires various and successive tests that compounds the cost impact of the process. As much as recycling waste water help in ensuring preservation of environment, the end result which is the recycled water have certain environmental implications (Escobar and Schafer, 2010, p. 79). Due to the excessive use of chemicals in the treatment process, continued use of recycled water in irrigation may lead to salinity conditions in the irrigated land and this may lead to retard growth of crops. Recycled water used in irrigation can also lead to accumulation of excess sodium that can cause dispersion and swelling of the soil and eventually reducing infiltration of water into the soil. In general, recycled water leads to accumulation of salts when excessively used in irrigating particular land. Many Australian citizens have expressed dissatisfaction and discontent with recycled water despite the acute water problem they are facing. Acceptance of recycled water depends upon numerous determinations and investigations such as the source of the water, cost, level of knowledge concerning recycled water and environmental attitudes among other factors. Conclusions Australia has been faced with unending periods of acute water shortage to support it domestic and industrial needs. Water shortage in Australia has seen government trying to impose restrictions governing the use of water. To counter these challenges, it is recommendable that the government considers recycling water as well as harvest rainwater and stores it responsibly. The government and the general public should however concentrate on collecting rain water rather than recycling water, which poses health and cost implications. As also indicated, most Australian citizens do not like recycled water as they fear that it could lead to negative health implications. Contrary to recycled, harvested and properly stored rain water is very cheap and has positive health implications even when untreated. Recommendation In order to curb or to reduce the acute water shortage experience in Australia, the government should empower and equip its citizens with appropriate requirements for collecting and storing rain water. Government should empower citizens to build iron roof houses and supply big tanks to families. In addition, the government should also show preparation and concern by constructing more dams during the dry spell and wait for the onset of rainy seasons. On the side of water recycling, the government should discourage excessive use of chemicals and instead promote boiling of water and collection in form of steam. This will help face out the accumulation of salts that result from the use of excess chemicals. References COLVIN, G. 2006. South-East Queensland's water crisis. Viewed 11 Apr. 12. . ESCOBAR, I. C., & SCHA?FER, A. (2010). Sustainable water for the future: water recycling versus desalination. Amsterdam, Elsevier. LANCASTER, S. (2011). Green Australia: a snapshot. Kent Town, S. Aust, Wakefield Press. PIGRAM, J. (2006).Australia's Water Resources: From Use to Management. Collingwood, Australia, CSIRO Publishing. RADCLIFFE, J. (2004). Water Recycling In Australia. Viewed 11 Apr. 12. . Rainwater Knowledge Centre. (2010). Rainwater Harvesting. Viewed 11 Apr. 12. . Urban Australia Ecology. (2007). Water Recycling. Viewed 11 Apr. 12. . Water Recycling in Australia. Viewed 11 Apr. 12. . Read More