Firefighters won't use it but we're supposed to drink it ...

BlueScope rejects fire water plan

By Megan Levy

19 July 2006

Firefighters have called on BlueScope Steel to install a separate freshwater system for firefighting, as the stoush over the use of recycled water continues.

The NSW Fire Brigade Employees Union has called on the industry giant to spend part of its profits on building separate systems to deliver recycled water and potable, or drinking, water to the steelworks.

In the event of an emergency, firefighters - who believe the recycled water could pose a health risk - could use drinking water.

However BlueScope Steel says the suggestion to duplicate water systems is "totally impractical". In any case, the recycled water had undergone rigorous testing which showed it was suitable for firefighting.

The union banned its members from using recycled water across NSW in 2003 except to protect life, and only then as a last resort.

Source - Illawarra Mercury - BlueScope rejects fire water plan.