Recycled water for non-drinking purpose

Waste management to be a key problem

Thrissur: M. David Barnes, president of the Australian Water Association, has said that Kerala should develop desalination plants and launch effluent re-use schemes to facilitate efficient use of water.

He was here to attend the Fourth Environment Congress at Mulankunnathukavu, near here, on Tuesday.

He said that changes in climate had triggered water crises across the world.

“Water shortage is a critical issue in Australia. Several regions have felt a drop in rainfall.

“The south west of Western Australia and the east coast of Australia have been severely affected. Consequently, Australia has invested heavily in desalination plants and effluent re-use projects,” he said.

He pointed out the need for strategies to ensure sustainable management of water.

“Recycled water should be used for toilet flushing, irrigation and other non-drinking purposes.

Campaigns to encourage protection and rehabilitation of wetlands, waterways and streams are needed.

Sustainable water management is a global issue. It should transcend regional interests.”

He said that India had to work hard to promote sustainable management of water.

“I am aware of the ways of water management in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gangtok and Shillong. A lot needs to be done in this field.”

Waste management, he observed, was a key problem as economies grew.

“Waste management practices differ from country to country.

As India’s economy grows, its problems of waste management too will increase.

In Australia, garbage is primarily sorted at houses. Some of the plastic is recycled.

The mantra for solid waste management is: reduce, recycle and reuse,” he added.