Uncapping the potential for recycled water use in regional cities: a case study of Shepparton, Victoria

Abstract

<p>Recycled water is a valuable alternative water source and reuse can address many urban water resource management problems. To date, however, recycled water schemes have been largely restricted to major cities. Small regional cities face different wastewater management issues. Through developing prospective recycled water schemes for the regional city of Shepparton, Victoria, I present the first attempt to address recycled water use potential for a regional Australian city. Twenty reuse schemes across a variety of end uses such as residential and agricultural are proposed and possible challenges to water reuse, such as salinity and economic costs, are reviewed. This discussion paves the way for more rigorous evaluation of recycled water schemes.</p>