The central Victorian city of Bendigo is on the brink of a drinking water crisis, a problem that’s becoming increasingly common among regional towns across Australia as both population numbers rise and climate change exerts its influence. According to projections made by the region's water authority, Coliban Water, Bendigo faces a potential shortfall in its drinking water supply within the next 15 years.
Damian Wells, the managing director of Coliban Water, emphasized the importance of proactive measures to secure Bendigo’s water supplies for the future. "We can't just blindly continue to rely on surface water inflows as the only solution," he stated, highlighting a significant issue; inflows into upstream storages have plummeted by 53% over the past three to four decades. This decline in water availability coincides with an expected rise in demand, driven by population growth in regional areas. The City of Greater Bendigo anticipates that its population will reach 200,000 by 2050, which represents a staggering 65% increase from the figures recorded in the 2021 census.
Currently, Mr. Wells reassured residents that Bendigo enjoys relatively secure water supplies. However, he pointed out that ongoing efforts are needed to enhance these sources, suggesting that acquiring water through market means and potentially introducing purified recycled water may be necessary strategies moving forward. He warned, "Under climate change projections, we would be viewed as amateurs if we're not thinking about having a whole range of options up our sleeve."
In response to the looming challenges, the water authority has been exploring new groundwater sources for areas like Kyneton and Tylden, located to the south of Bendigo. They are currently waiting for the outcome of a recent license application submitted to Goulburn-Murray Water concerning the use of this groundwater.
Since 2011, Victoria has implemented permanent water-saving regulations that mandate the use of trigger nozzles on hoses, restrict watering system usage, and limit water for cleaning hard surfaces like driveways. Recently, Central Highlands Water escalated water restrictions from stage one to stage three in various towns north of Ballarat, including Smeaton and Newlyn. This action was prompted by groundwater levels in the Forest Hill region resembling those seen during the severe millennium drought.
Professor Tony Wong from Monash University, who specializes in Sustainable Development, noted that many cities worldwide are grappling with water security issues. "This is something that is faced by almost every nation in relation to strengthening drought security," he remarked, adding that many urban areas are now considering innovative approaches to water use — suggesting that water scarcity does not necessarily hinder growth, but rather it’s the manner in which water is utilized that matters most.
With climate change and increasing demand posing significant risks, local and state authorities are cautioning against an over-reliance on rainfall. Infrastructure Victoria has highlighted the anticipated shortfall in Bendigo, as well as in Geelong and Melbourne, advocating for the state government to explore piloting a facility designed to recycle wastewater for drinking purposes. Jonathan Spear, the chief executive of Infrastructure Victoria, pointed out that "Recycled water costs less than treated stormwater. It also relies less on rainfall, making it more resilient to our changing climate."
A spokesperson for the Victorian government indicated that their water security taskforce is actively exploring all viable solutions, particularly for regional communities. "We’re investing $25 million to upgrade the water supply systems for Daylesford, Hepburn, and Hepburn Springs, along with the Bendigo Recycled Water Factory to enhance recycled water distribution throughout central Victoria and mitigate the risk of water restrictions," the spokesperson explained. Additionally, they have opened $24 million in grants for integrated water management aimed at promoting the benefits of recycled water and stormwater for both community use and environmental preservation, while simultaneously alleviating pressure on potable water supplies.
Professor Wong cautioned that recycling all water to meet drinking standards might be unnecessarily costly for regional cities and towns. He proposed that growing areas with new developments could implement a second tap system in homes for recycled, non-potable water. This approach would conserve drinking water, typically used for gardening, toilet flushing, and laundry. "That can really practically be implemented in new housing rather than relying on retrofitting a whole city," Professor Wong suggested.
He concluded by stating that while solutions should be tailored to specific locations, employing water in multiple cycles and aligning urban water use with agricultural needs could promote greater sustainability.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should we prioritize advanced water recycling technologies, or focus on improving existing practices? What do you think? Are we doing enough to address these looming water shortages? Share your thoughts below!
