ACT Govt to examine recycled water concerns ...

Excerpt from ABC News:

ACT Govt to examine recycled water concerns

29 March 2007

The ACT Health Minister says the Government will examine the health concerns raised by a leading microbiologist over plans to recycle Canberra's water.

Expert Peter Collignon, from the Australian National University, says introducing recycled water to Canberra's drinking supply will increase the risk of disease.

Professor Collignon says it is a reasonable option for overseas cities with already polluted supplies, but for Canberra he says it is an unnecessary risk.

"We've got all this extra water, when you look at the numbers - why would we possibly go through this expensive recycled water issue?" he said.

ACT Health Minister Katy Gallagher says the Government will look into these issues.

"I think Canberrans are ready for the discussion, but that's not to predetermine what the outcome will be," she said.

Water supplier ACTEW is further investigating the proposal and will make final recommendations to the Government in the middle of the year.

See - Recycled water concerns.