Does Turnbull have his facts right?

MP Malcolm Turnbull is relying on Israel and Singapore as reasons why Toowoomba residents should be drinking a cocktail of at least 25% recycled sewage.

BUT:

- Israel does NOT use recycled sewage for drinking - it uses it for non-potable purposes.

See - Water in Israel.

"By using recycled water for agriculture, fresh water is saved for human consumption. JNF’s research on the uses of recycled water, as well as the continued building of reservoirs all over the country, are an immediate solution to alleviating Israel’s water predicament and are an integral part of its plans for supplying water over the long term. "

See - Israel Water Crisis Facts and Figures.

And, like Singapore, they use desalination plants.

See - Desalination plant to provide 15% of Israel's domestic needs.

"Located on Israel's southern Mediterranean coast, the new Ashkelon SWRO plant will provide around 15% of Israel's domestic needs. It is the first of a number of similar large-scale seawater desalination facilities planned."

- Singapore uses around 1% - there's a big difference between 1% and one-quarter of your water being recycled sewage - something the Toowoomba City Council tries to downplay.

He was also unaware that Premier Beattie is working on the so-called "non-existent" other options.

So, has Turnbull got his facts right?

In Councillor Shelton's view:

" ... it underscored to me yet again just how much half-truths and false propositions are being used to convince Toowoomba people we are locked in to drinking recycled sewage water and that it will solve our crisis."

See - Lyle's blog.