The two diagrams outline the current state of Australia’s water supply system and the modifications that are expected to be made in the future.
Overall, while the initial water supply from the dam to the city remains unchanged, the future system shows a significant shift in how water is managed. Unlike the current process, in which waste water and storm water flow away from the city, the future plan involves directing all these water types back to the water treatment plant for processing.
The current water supply system shows that water is stored in a dam before being transferred to a city to be used by households, shops and factories. From the city, storm water is directed straight into the river, in contrast, waste water is sent to a water treatment plant for processing. After the waste water has been treated, it is safe to release it into the river.
Regarding the future water supply system, water will be brought from the dam for the same uses as in the present. However, both the storm water and waste water from the city are to be directed to the water treatment plant for processing after which they will both be recycled for use in the city. It is planned that no water will be released back into the river.
