Where Does Water Come From?

by Ri Industries Ri Industries

How many sources of water do you know? There may be more than you realize, which is why the theme for this years’ National Water Week (19 -25 October 2014) is Water Sources.  The concerns of water shortage in Australia is well known, so it is vital that we understand where our water comes from and how we can make it last.

Here is a basic list of water sources:

  • Surface water – water on the Earth’s surface which can be found in a stream, river, lake, wetland, ocean or a dam.
  • Groundwater – water that occupies the spaces between particles of soil (sand, silt and clay) or rock beneath the earth’s surface.
  • Desalinated water – Desalination is the removal of salt, especially from sea water.
  • Stormwater – rainwater that has run off roads, roofs, paved areas etc. and is usually conveyed by constructed drains.
  • Wastewater – mostly from showers, baths and washing machines. After you’ve used your water, it enters a wastewater pipe, and then into the sewer mains (if you’re on mains) and eventually it reaches a wastewater treatment plant.
  • Groundwater replenishment – an innovative concept where treated wastewater is further treated to drinking water standards and recharged into groundwater supplies. The water is then stored and taken out some time later for further treatment and supply to a drinking water system. This source is currently only available in WA.
  • Recycled water – the use of treated wastewater or appropriately treated drainage water.  Before being recycled, wastewater is treated, according to stringent health regulations, to meet the appropriate standard for its intended use.  When reused for a beneficial purpose, this water is known as recycled. Increasing the amount of water we recycle is vital to maintaining a reliable, safe and sustainable water supply and becoming climate resilient. Recycled water can be used for a range of purposes such as:
  1. Irrigation of sports grounds, golf courses and public open spaces
  2. Industrial processing
  3. Groundwater replenishment
  4. Toilet flushing / clothes washing / garden watering
  5. Environmental benefits (e.g. maintaining wetlands) Irrigation of food crops. Irrigation of non-food crops (e.g. trees, woodlots, turf, flowers)
  6. Construction / dust suppression

Ri-Industries concrete rainwater tanks and Ri-Treat waste water treatment systems are exceptional tools to help reduce water waste. Call us today on 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our products.