I'm not a fan foxy. No matter how objectively I have looked at this issue, read different views on it I am still opposed. I am willing to be proved wrong if the safeguards were adequate but as others have said it is not just bacterial contamination but medicines, dioxins (from tampons), draino and other chemicals that go down the toilet. Are we to canvass and screen for them all? Is it even possible?

It is not that science is not capable of coming up with ways of filtering and purifying water but human error always plays a part. Shouldn't we be more concerned with why we have let Australia's population grow to a point where we have to start talking about recycling sewage.

Would you like E.Coli with that? :)

Remember, we drink less than 2% of what we use. It is household water. Buy drinking water and enjoy pre water restriction times agin.

Dear Pelican,

I'm with you on this one. I also feel that despite
all the links that I've read - as you point out,
human error does play a big part in this equation,
and I'm not comfortable in saying, "Yeah, let's do it!"

I agree we need to look at other issues - like limiting
our population intake (Ludwig's favourite theme) with
sustainability - and so on.

Sewage into drinking water? There must be other
alternatives that we can consider ...

rehctub,
I think you missed the point water is scarce and is getting scarcer.
Are you suggesting that washing dishes and clothes in contaminated water is safe? Not from what I've read.see hospitals etc.

BTW Having lived in Adelaide ie bought drinking water...been there done that. What about the poor $8 per 10 litres is a bit much for them.

Pelican,
There is no bullit proof system. Are you drinking tap water now? You don't want to know what you're probably ingesting now, from the mains pipes and your own plumbing.

More people are made ill from eating eating at home than from system failures in the water. You really should go on a tour of water works and see how little the risk actually is.

If you eat meat, fish, Poultry or vegies you have more risk of problems than drinking mains water and as previously indicated tank water is potentially more of a worry. New Scientist (I hink) has published a number studies into the above. The only reasonable conclusion is that modern life is a a series of risks. Personally I prefer the calculated ones than "a pig at a poke". the risk is trully minimal.
There was a test where people were invited to a test a dinner where the lighting changed the colour of the food. They were told one item was off. Of the 20 terted only 1 completed the meal..the food was from a top restaurant and was all good. Conclusion its all perception/conditioning/emotion. :-)

>>>Conclusion its all perception/conditioning/emotion<<<

I'm in complete agreement with Examinator on this topic. Perhaps those who are concerned should consider what they are swimming in next time they go to the local pool.

There are/will be more safeguards surrounding recycled water than exists currently with our reservoir system (which are of a high standard BTW).

While mishaps do happen, I suggest that you are more at risk in the changing rooms of the local pool than drinking recycled water.

While Examinator has already detailed this, please consider the cycle of water from evaporation through to collection to flowing out of your taps.

Just to add a little thought - think of the numbers of dead animals that wind up in dams and rivers - mmmmmmm tasty.

We take care of the tank regularly thanks examinator. 'Preciate the concern tho.

The possums, bird, bats, whatever, don't sit and prop their bums over the edge of the opening in the top of the tank and squeeze one off, examinator.

They're not on any drugs either.