Is Australia’s recycled water future divided by generations?

When it comes to recycled water, there’s a clear generational divide in Australia. According to our recent CROSSROADS research into intergenerational equity – which surveyed 13,000 adults across ten countries – younger Australians are significantly more open to the idea of incorporating recycled water into their drinking supplies than older generations.

When asked if they would be open to drinking treated or recycled water – whether it be purified wastewater, stormwater, or desalinated seawater – 76% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials responded positively compared to other generations. In contrast, only 58% of Baby Boomers and a mere 50% of Gen X were on board with the idea. This stark contrast suggests that as younger generations gradually take on leadership roles, the acceptance of recycled water in Australia is likely to grow and become more acceptable in communities around the country.

However, this generational divide also raises some concerns. Gen X, the generation currently occupying many key leadership and decision-making positions, when surveyed were less open to the adoption of recycled water. This could potentially slow its adoption at a time when it’s becoming increasingly urgent to address water scarcity due to climate change and population growth. As the research indicates, while the overall prospects for recycled water in Australia are promising, understanding and addressing these generational differences will be crucial for a smoother transition towards more sustainable water use in the future.

As Australia faces rising costs associated with water supply, the economic benefits of recycled water are becoming increasingly important. According to the CROSSROADS research, Australians are less willing to pay more for household water use compared to the global average. Only 44% of Australians are open to paying higher water bills, a strong contrast to the 59% global average.

Over the past decade, residential water bills and water utility capital expenditure have remained relatively stable. However, this is expected to change dramatically, with capital expenditure projected to nearly double from $6 billion in 2022-23 to over $11 billion by 2026-27. This increase is necessary to upgrade and expand Australia’s water infrastructure, but it also raises the question: how will these projects be paid for if people are unwilling to accept higher water bills?

One of the key benefits of recycled water is its affordability. Unlike desalination, which is more energy-intensive and expensive, recycling water for augmenting water supply is cheaper than treating wastewater to meet EPA's discharge requirements providing efficiencies and requires far less energy.

Data from the Water Services Association of Australia supports this, highlighting that recycled water could be a financially viable option for addressing Australia's growing water needs. With capital expenditures on the rise, it’s clear that all options need to be on the table, and recycled water presents a compelling case.

Beyond the cost savings, recycled water also offers other significant advantages. It is a sustainable and resilient option, less dependent on rainfall, with water availability directly linked to community usage. It also boasts a smaller carbon footprint compared to desalination and contributes to better wastewater management by reducing the amount of waste released into the environment.

While the economic advantages of recycled water are clear, the success of these projects depends not only on cost but also on community acceptance. Public perception, often influenced by the so-called “yuk factor,” remains a significant hurdle. Shifting public perception and building community support are essential for the widespread adoption of recycled water in Australia.

One of the key opportunities lies in aligning public expectations with the practical realities of water conservation. People rely on water utilities to provide clean and safe drinking water, which opens the door for introducing treated and purified recycled water as a viable solution.

Effective community engagement is crucial in achieving these goals. By involving residents, businesses, traditional owners, and other stakeholders in the decision-making process – as well as educating communities on the benefits and safety of recycled water – we can build trust and make sure that the outcomes meet the needs of all parties.

Open conversations about the challenges posed by climate change, and the role recycled water can play in creating a diversified and resilient water supply, are critical. Understanding the preferences, values, and concerns of the community allows us to address potential misconceptions and fears directly.

Engaging people in meaningful dialogue can increase awareness, acceptance and trust in recycled water solutions. This not only helps overcome the "yuk factor" often associated with drinking recycled water but also means these projects are more likely to be embraced as part of a broader strategy to secure our water future.

Ultimately, the choices we make about water management today will shape the future for generations to come. Making sure that future generations have access to secure water resources depends on how wisely we use and protect them now. It’s not enough to push these issues aside or assume someone else will handle them. The CROSSROADS research highlights that concern about climate change and sustainability are shared across all age groups, and it’s encouraging to see that people believe even small changes in behaviour can make a meaningful difference.