NSW:Iemma rules out recycled sewage water despite positive poll

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2007
NSW:Iemma rules out recycled sewage water despite positive poll

SYDNEY, Feb 12 AAP - NSW Premier Morris Iemma says he won't introduce recycled sewage
into Sydney's water supply, despite a new opinion poll showing most Australians would
be willing to drink it.

An ACNielsen poll published in Fairfax newspapers today found 78 per cent of Australians
- and 80 per cent of NSW residents - would be willing to drink recycled sewage water.

The NSW government has ruled out adding treated sewage to the Sydney water supply and
instead plans to build a 125 megalitre per day desalination plant.

Asked by reporters today if public opinion was changing on the sewage issue, Mr Iemma
said: "Maybe it has but we're getting on with our job of securing Sydney's water supply
with the strategy that we've developed".

Mr Iemma said it would take four to five years to build the infrastructure to add treated
sewage to the water supply and cost $4 billion, about twice the cost of desalination.

"It's longer and more costly," he told reporters.

Mr Iemma said welcome rain in the Sydney area over the weekend had seen 47.5 millimetres
fall in the Warragamba catchment area.

However, he said the government was still determined to proceed with the desalination
plant because the CSIRO had warned there could be a lack of rain for at least 15 years.

"I've given the commitment that we are proceeding with the desalination plant," he said.

"I've said if I'm returned as premier I'll sign the contract.

"This type of infrastructure is required as one of a range of measures."

AAP pj/dl/hn/it/cdh

KEYWORD: WATER IEMMA LEAD

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