How do you want Canberra’s drinking water used?

“We want to find out what the Canberra community thinks about how water is managed in the region and how individuals and groups in the community could contribute to improvements in how we use our drinking water,” says Dr Heinz Schandl, a social scientist at CSIRO in Canberra.

“The information will help the ACT Government consider ways to replace using drinking water for irrigation.”

The ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services and ACT Planning and Land Authority are investigating alternatives to the use of drinking water, such as stormwater, for irrigating parks, sports grounds and some businesses such as golf courses.

CSIRO is assisting the ACT Government by researching the social and environmental implications of employing stormwater harvesting options.

Potential solutions include storing stormwater in new and existing ponds and lakes, and in aquifers through processes like managed aquifer recharge and recovery.

“Water is important to all of us, and improvements in how we supply and use our water are essential for a sustainable future of Australia’s capital,” Dr Schandl says.

In addition to the survey, CSIRO social scientists have held focus group meetings in Weston Creek, Gungahlin, Yarralumla and Lyneham with representatives of the Canberra community to discuss social impacts of reusing water and identifying areas in which water management can be improved.

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