Sustainability comparison of third-pipe and seawater desalination systems in Western Australia

Anda, M., Hodgson, N. and Dallas, S. (2010) Sustainability comparison of third-pipe and seawater desalination systems in Western Australia. Water, 37 (6). pp. 67-72.

Abstract

Sustainability criteria are increasingly being applied to decision-making processes about future water source options. However, existing sustainability frameworks within the water services industry, for example from WSAA (2008) and IWA (Ashley ef a/. 2004) do noteasily allow for the comparison of the range of different water source options (such as desalination and third-pipe reuse systems) at the scale of the entire urban water system. This paper presents the findings of a study commissioned by the Western Australian Department of Water that applied a sustainability assessment framework to make a preliminary comparison of third-pipe reuse systems and seawater desalination in Western Australia, allowing for consideration of a systems view as well as the different scales of operation. These two criteria emerged as particularly important. On the sustainability criteria established for this project and within the scope of the preliminary analysis undertaken, thirdpipe systems perform well against desalination as asustainable water source option.

Publication Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation:	School of Environmental Science School of Sustainability
Publisher:	Australian Water Association
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/3200

Item Control Page

Downloads