Aerothorn on 31/7/2006 at 21:43
So by the topic question, am I to infer that you already use recycled sewage water for bathing/washing/non-drinking uses of water? Cause if you don't, you guys should really start.
Not that we should talk, I imagine that the USA wastes more water than pretty much anyone (save perhaps the Japanese, what with their cultural OCD). While I too admit to a good level of scientific ignorance, it's my understanding that much of our fresh water comes from large underground aquifers; and that when those aquifers run out we will be having fresh water shortages. Yes, there's the water cycle but we're flushing fresh water into the ocean faster than it can replenish.
That said, I should actually be able to speak with authority on the subject if they still offer the The Politics of Water course when I head off to college.
Convict on 31/7/2006 at 21:56
No we don't use recycled sewage water for anything yet to the best of my knowledge. I suppose the problem would be infrastructure costs associated with bringing two water supplies to each household. However in towns we use tank water (which has frogs' urine etc in it!! - I am more concerned about hormones as I said) and sometimes bore water which undergoes some kind of processing I would assume (I don't know). I have drunk tank water but obviously I would prefer town water.
aguywhoplaysthief on 1/8/2006 at 05:00
Quote Posted by Fragony
We do it here, it's perfectly safe, cleanest water of europe. Better for the enviroment as well.
Estrogen in the water explains a lot about the Netherlands.
Scots Taffer on 1/8/2006 at 05:23
There was no definitive research back home to conclude that the water was 100% safe, especially when they discussed increased estrogen levels and its potential effect upon cancer rates.
descenterace on 1/8/2006 at 05:28
I am suddenly reminded of that email that circulated a couple of years back, titled 'Bread Kills!!!!1'.
Ye GODS, people, too much of ANYTHING is hazardous to your health.
Malygris on 1/8/2006 at 06:29
Makes me happy that all I have to worry about in my drinking water is pigshit run-off.
wate, no it doesnt
Convict on 1/8/2006 at 07:25
Apparently environmentalists in Australia have been supporting the move to recycled sewage water for drinking. If BR/StD reads this I would be interested in his opinion (if you have one on this matter) or other environmentalists*. Also if people are opposed to fluoridation of the water (I'm not after a water fluoridation debate however) then what is there opinion of female hormones in the drinking water?
*Since I thought the idea of environmentalists was to make all our water pure like it should be and doesn't having hormones in the water run strongly against this principle?
Shadowlord on 1/8/2006 at 09:05
I remember seeing astrounauts using different methods to recycle water from their own urine, washing machine water, and their sweat to become consumable liquid. At first they refused(what man in his right mind would drink his own urine), but after seeing the method of heating and condensation to collect H20 out of the urine which leaves the "waste" behind they were....ok with it. Not like they can get a shipment of water while in earth's orbit.
SubJeff on 1/8/2006 at 10:01
If you are going to recycle water then do it properly damnit. If it's got hormones I don't want it. Why can't this be done anyway?
And surely you are the one to tell us about fluorination of water Convict.
PS. Normal urine is sterile anyway.
jprobs on 1/8/2006 at 12:09
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
If you are going to recycle water then do it properly damnit. If it's got hormones I don't want it. Why can't this be done anyway?
I was under the impression it could be done.
We have had reclaimed water in our area for quite a few years. It is only used for lawn watering. It can't even be used for washing your car as it will leave mineral deposits.
I had spoke to one of the guys who headed this project when they were doing it and he had told me they were only 1 very expensive process away from making it potable.
The big problem, he said, was going to be public relations as no one was ready to hear they were going to add last weeks toilet water to your potable water :eek:
