Innovative Strategies Alleviate Water Stress in South East Queensland, Australia

Brisbane, located in South East Queensland, Australia, is one of the fastest growing major metropolitan areas in Australia and Queensland's state capital. In the past seven years, rapid population growth and unprecedented drought has placed tremendous pressure on Brisbane's drinking water supply. As a result, in July 2007, the combined dam levels fell to a historical low of 17 percent, or less than 16 months supply. Recycled water is one of several strategies that the Queensland Government has adopted as part of its efforts to secure the region's drinking water supplies and to support sustainable economic growth. The Bundamba Advanced Water Treatment Plant (BAWTP) is part of the AU$2.5 billion Western Corridor Recycled Water Project that will produce up to 232 megaliters of purified recycled water each day for use in power stations, industry, agriculture and, should the regional water storages fall below 40 percent, to supplement the Wivenhoe Dam.