Drought Management Solutions

Global warming is a reality. Australia is becoming hotter and drier as it experiences accelerated climate change. Studies have estimated that Australian temperatures will rise up to 6 degrees in the next 50 years, increasing the frequency and extremity of droughts. Australia’s current drought is the worst on record.

The majority of Australian capital cities are facing a major water crisis with less than 50% of water storages remaining. (Drought in Australia) Currently the state governments are attempting to ‘drought-proof’ (Can we Drought-Proof Australia?) their states by implementing a number of design strategies.

Regulation of Rainwater Tank Installations in NSW has been assisted by a new State Environment Planning Policy allowing the installation of systems up to 10,000 litres. (Rainwater Storage Systems) With limited rainfall, it is essential to recycle water within the house. The Grey-water recycling scheme is the re-use of wastewater produced from domestic means such as washing dishes, laundry and bathing. The water is collected and distributed to the garden. These effective water recycling systems result in greater amounts of water able to be used overall, as well as significant reductions in cost.

These strategies are being implemented in small numbers; however it is crucial to enforce water saving technologies in all newly developed homes in order for the water management plan to start taking effect on a greater level.

Although cities do suffer from the effects of drought, it is the people that live on the land that are most closely impacted. Agriculture suffers most severely, with declining productivity affecting rural Australia as well as the national economy. Farmers are unable to change the weather; however they can adopt their farming practices to suit the dry Australian landscape.

Good tree management practices may be implemented on farms, as droughts favour some vegetation over others. The strategic placement of farm trees improves agricultural production as well as protecting soils, water and wildlife.

Education about sustainability and how local actions connect to global trends is vital in achieving widespread community agreement on the goal of a sustainable community.

Now Australia is even considering drinking recycled sewage, to reclaim precious water from the waste. (Drought-stricken Australia considers drinking recycled sewage)

‘Drought proofing’ Australia will never be achievable, due to the fact that drought is a permanent characteristic of Australian life, however, we can learn to manage and adapt to it through the use of sustainable technologies and practices, rather than trying to change it.

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Kate
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Reference List

1. Drought in Australia. Retrieved 19/3/07. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drought_in_Australia. Wikipedia
2. Can we ‘drought-proof’ Australia? Retrieved 18/3/07.
http://www.nma.gov.au/libraries/attachments/schools/resources/drought_proof_australia/drought_proof_australia_full_document/files/630/nma_drought_pdf.pdf. National Museum of Australia Canberra
3. Rainwater storage systems. Retrieved 18/3/07.
http://www.ecologicalhomes.com.au/rainwater_storage.htm. Ecological Homes: Helping Australia become sustainable.
4. Drought-stricken Australia considers drinking recycled sewage. Jul 24 08:37 PM US/Eastern. Retrieved 19/3/07. http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=060725013330.kmmra0ek&show_article=1. AFP