Waste Water Recycling
Indicator Rationale
Water is a critical limiting factor for much of the Australian environment and economy. The efficient management of water resources is essential to individual and community well-being, and to the protection of biodiversity and ecological systems (Environment Australia, 2002). The distribution of scarce water resources between competing demands is also an equity issue. Potable water supply for urban communities is a finite resource. Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world, but we are one of the greatest consumers of water per capita (Savewater, 2003).
Its provision incurs a significant social, economic and environmental cost through the construction of storage, treatment and conveyance infrastructure (The Australia Institute and Newcastle City Council, 2000). Wastewater reuse provides an indicator of efforts to conserve water resources. It is also important for diverting nutrients and pollutants from waterways (City of Onkaparinga, 2000).
Data Source
Community Indicators Victoria Survey 2007
Measure
People in Households Collecting Waste Water: expressed as a percentage of the adult population.
A small number of survey respondents (representing less than 0.1% of the weighted survey estimates across Victoria, and less than 0.9% in every LGA) didn't know or refused to answer the survey question. These respondents have been excluded from the data analysis.
Survey Question
QC8. Is your household doing any of the following to save water? Yes; No.
The measure is based on responses of 'Yes' to item 1.
Source of Question
This question was designed in consultation with the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), following the examination of a variety of related questions asked in other surveys.
References
