This is a sponsored guest post.
You may remember from your school days hearing all about the water cycle. This is the process by which water evaporates from the land, forms as clouds and then returns to the ground in the form of rain. This can refill the reservoirs and other water supplies.
The problem in Australia is that it is the driest inhabited continent in the world. This means that a lack of rain can quickly cause a water shortage and all the associated issues.
This is why it is essential that all water is collected and stored efficiently.
Rain Water
Rainwater is a large part of this; it travels through rivers and across the ground to fill reservoirs. This can then be pumped to your homes.
Strom Water
Stormwater is not the only water harvested. Wastewater is also returned to the treatment plant to be processed. The waste is removed and the water reused.
Ground Water
It is also possible to find water underground. When it rains the water moves from the higher ground to the lower, stopping when it reaches a good place to pool.
In general, these places are the reservoirs. But, some of the water soaks into the ground and moves through the rocks. It can even pool underground. You can access this water by drilling a well in the right spot.
In fact, one-third of the water consumption in Australia is actually from ground water.
Sea Water
You can’t drink the salty seawater but it is possible to remove the salt through a desalination plant. During the drought that lasted from 1997 – 2009 the government started to build desalination plants. After all, there is plenty of sea around Australia.
There are now 6 desalination plants; all helping to supply you with drinking water.
That’s Not The End Of The Story
Of course, the water needs to get from the reservoirs to your home. This is done via a network of pipes running under the ground.
The water at each storage site is specially treated to ensure it is free of bacteria and debris. This should make it safe to drink but you may wish to have a filtration system installed by Filtap.
There is a good reason for this.
The water board focuses their efforts on creating enough water to supply the whole country. They have a set procedure for treating the water to ensure it is safe.
However, it is impossible for them to monitor all the fields and pipelines between the centers and your home.
The fact is that debris from inside the pipes can merge with your water. Pesticides and bacteria can also soak through the pipe or get into the water system via the tiniest of cracks.
The result is your drinking water may not be as safe as you think it is. This is why so many people use under sink or whole house filtration systems. It is the final step in making sure the water you have at your tap is safe to drink; no matter how far it has traveled.
