Introduction
Protecting South Australia's streams, rivers, groundwater, wetlands
and beaches starts with you. The only way to reduce the pollution
and demand on our waters is to recognise that we are individually
responsible for the water we use, and the way we use it.
Cities and suburban environments inject dozens of different pollutants
including litter, oil, grease and garden waste into rivers, creeks
and oceans. Urban environments also account for around 12% of
Australia's total water consumption (Environment Australia).
There are many ways we can reduce our impact on the water environment.
Below are some handy tips on how we can all help keep our waterways
clean, and reduce the amount of water we take from the River Murray.
Prevent stormwater pollution
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| Photo: Tourism
SA |
Urban stormwater is currently seen as an urban planning and
environmental problem. However, clean stormwater is increasingly
being seen as a valuable resource in a state where rainfall is
low, and reliance on an ailing river system is high. The benefits
of clean stormwater are many including:
- improved recreational, tourism, aquacultural, agricultural
and industrial opportunities
- an improvement in the number and diversity of native plants
and animals that live in and near our rivers and oceans.
Every person, business, industry and government agency has an
obligation to protect water quality and prevent stormwater pollution.
To this end, the State Government has recently introduced a Water
Quality Policy that encourages the re-use of stormwater and
includes fines for people who deliberately or accidentally pollute
it.
Easy ways to cleaner water
Save water, save money
Saving water not only helps the animals and plants that live
in our rivers and creeks, but it also saves you money. Sixty per
cent of Adelaide's urban water is used in and around the home
(see figure 1). For more information on how cities use water and
how Australia compares with other countries—see the Water
Efficiency Labelling and Standards web
site.
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Figure
1. Pie chart depicting domestic water use.
Source: Water Services Association of Australia Facts 2001. |
You can also conserve water and reduce your water bill by reusing
household water.
Most South Australians are aware that Adelaide is facing increasing
shortages of good quality mains water. However, many are unaware
that Adelaide also faces the prospect of an 'over-supply' of water—stormwater.
The over-supply of stormwater, created by the rapid spread of
urban development, is placing increasing pressure on the city's
ageing stormwater infrastructure. The consequences are more frequent
urban flooding events—already realised in some suburbs.
Experts believe the over-/under-supply dilemma could be resolved
if stormwater was recognised as a valuable resource.
You can help reduce the amount of stormwater in the drainage
system by installing a rainwater tank for drinking water and to
water the garden.
To find out about water restrictions in South Australia follow
this link to the SA Water website www.sawater.com.au
or phone 1800 130 952.
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| Photo: Waterwatch
SA |
Participate
in monitoring programs
There are many ways you can get involved
in protecting and enhancing our environment. The EPA supports
programs to assist business and industry, community volunteers
and South Australian teachers and students.
Helpful links
AMLRNRM Board Pollution Prevention Programs
www.amlrnrm.sa.gov.au/BoardPrograms/
Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation
www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au
Frog Census
Hazardous Waste Depot site
H2Ouse
www.h2ouse.net/index.cfm
KESAB environmental solutions
www.kesab.asn.au
Melbourne Water
www.melbournewater.com.au
River Murray Urban Users Committee
www.murrayusers.sa.gov.au
Savewater
www.savewater.com.au
Stormwater Industry Association
www.stormwater.asn.au
Watercare
www.watercare.net
Water Conservation Partnership Project
www.ccsa.asn.au/esa/wcpp.htm
Water Proofing Adelaide beyond the drought
www.waterproofingadelaide.sa.gov.au
Watercare
www.watercare.net
Waterwatch
www.sa.waterwatch.org.au
<<Back to Water
This page was last modified 18-12-2007
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