Recycling of grey water is a far far better option than de-salination -
most Australian cities now operate on a greater or lesser amount of
re-cycled water. The energy costs are far less than de-salination - The
Californian cities of LosAngeles Orange County (Irvine, Santa Anna, Tustin
etc) are now not only purifying the effluent (to a better standard than
drinking water - but they are pumping it back into the aquifers to
re-charge them). If they can do it - so can all Australian cities and
towns. (see - http:/www.discovermagazine.com 'better water' May 2008.

The 'Yuk' factor is a serious 'con' foisted by people who ought to know better.

De-salination requires very significant energy expenditures - which in our
regions are provided by coal burning power stations..global warming anyone??

go figure

Hugh.





>For those in SEQld. Rally to protest the proposed Traverston Crossing
>Dam. Fwd to your contacts. Information from the attached flyer:
>
>The Qld Labor Party is holding its State Convention at the Gold Coast
>Convention Centre on June 21,22. Kevin "I'm here to help" Rudd will be
>there.
>
>BACKGROUND INFORMATION
>
> * Brisbane and SEQ want (and are entitled to) the cheapest source of
> 100% reliable water.
> * The politicians must provide it in a way that is environmentally
> and economically responsible.
> * There is an overwhelming body of evidence that, along with present
> storages, the demand for water can be met from non-rainfall
> dependent methods such as desalination using renewable energy
> sources, combined with water saving methods such as storm water
> harvesting, recycling of waste water, responsible water usage from
> household and industry, and installation of water saving devices.
>
>
>A dam approved at Traveston Crossing, even with conditions, however
>strictly phrased or enforced, fails these requirements. It destroys
>productive farmland, unique animal species, fisheries, AND COSTS MORE!
>
>Just one desalination plant can provide the water that the Qld Govt say
>they will take from the Mary.

??????

It will cost less, it will be 100%
>reliable, and it will pose no threat to the Lungfish, Mary River Turtle,
>or to the rare and endangered species of the Great Sandy Straits.
>This plant can be powered from renewable energy sources. WA currently
>has a desal plant powered by a wind farm.
>
>Otherwise Qld converts this beautiful productive working river into the
>mess that is the Murray.

>This alternative is unthinkable. Why would you do it when it is not even
>necessary?
>
>