Activity 1

Why recycle water?

  1. Go to The Source May 2003 - Storage levels drop again
    • At what level were Melbourne's water storages at 30 April 2003?
    • When was the last time these storages were this low?
    • Study the line graph showing water storages. During which months in 2003 do you expect that water storage levels will increase? What does this rely on?
    • Study the bar graph. Explain what is meant by inflow to major harvesting reservoirs.
    • What impact do these figures have on long-term water usage? How would water recycling impact on these figures?
  2. Go to The Source April 2001 - Q&A: The man who helped us understand the bay

    In this interview, Dr. Graham Harris comments on the issue of water recycling.

    • What does Dr. Harris mean about using water only once? Does he think this practice will continue? Why/why not?
    • Does Dr. Harris believe recycling is the solution to Australia's water problems?
    • How will recycling impact on water storage and treatment outfall? What would be the benefits to the environment?