examinator and Fractelle, I do see the logic in your arguments, however given there are already all of these contaminants you speak of, do we want to add even more that we have to deal with at the treatment-end?

I must admit I have drunk my share of rainwater which was no doubt filled with all sorts of bird poop and the like and have even drunk from a running stream high in the mountains (but hopefully that at least was relatively clean).

I would rather go desalination if it did not mean an inordinate amount of energy.

The next time you read of million of gallons of raw sewage, being pumped into a river, or harbour, somewhere, due to an equiptment breakdown, not noticed by the public servant responsable, for 48 hours, think if you want a public servant responsible for sewage going into dams.

The next time you hear of a spill of chemicals, or holding ponds, at some industrial plant, think if you want industry responsible for sewage going into dams.

That only leaves me that you could trust, & I won't do it.

Everyone has raised some very good points.

And I too can see the logic of examinator's
arguments. But, as it is a question of perception,
and emotion - and as I do have health problems
regarding my "gut." I'd still prefer trying
other methods first - desalination for one...

Examinator
How can you call it 'contaminated water'. That is simply scare mungering. It is currently pumped into our waterways, mainly out to sea, with full EPA approval.

You are typical of the anti recycling crowd!

Rehtcub

What drugs are you on? Whatever is in your water supply is clearly going to your head, Examinator has been arguing (effectively and logically) about why we should not fear recycled water.

The only people scaremongering here are StG and Hasbeen.

To others I politely request that you do some research into the topic - there are myriad websites available, here is a start:

http://www.waterrecycling.vic.gov.au/default.asp

BTW If you are in NSW, you have already been drinking recycled water.

Rehtcub, and others (ladies)
I'm sorry Rehtcub we appear to be talking at cross purposes I'm arguing that on a scale of 1-100 things to worry about recycled water rates perhaps 1 i.e. very low indeed.
The 'contaminated water' was in parenthesis to illustrate that while true in absolute terms it is practically speaking emotional nonsense. I have a greater chance of becoming ill from tank water than from the city tap given the difference of care taken to ensure water quality e.g. Last night a farmer on the 7.30 top the cover off a tank put his hands in and scooped some water out to drink. Great visual but how clean were his hands? He could have contaminated the whole tank.

Keep in mind Legionella bacteria occurs naturally in the dirt hence the recommendation for rubber gloves and washing hands thoroughly especially when handling natural fertilizers when in the garden (albeit a remote chance).

In water treatment plants hygiene is paramount.

In short Foxy is right the fear of recycled water is 99% in the mind of the beholder.
Outside of a good Scotch, an unwooded Collombard/chard , My home brewed Brown Ale and Special Gun Powder or Lapsang Souchong Teas replete with “contaminants” nothing is better for invigorating the soul and body than treated water. Chin Chin.

PS ladies when you invite me around for a cuppa note the list.
PPS I’m partial to bickies with savoury topping pates etc and cream cakes or scones with golden syrup and cream too. he he he (more Mephistophelean giggles. :-)