Australians to 'drink recycled water' in 2009

Residents of south-east Queensland, Australia will be drinking purified recycled water as of March 2009, due to a new scheme that will be implemented.

Premier Anna Bligh confirmed the move, which will see residents from the area provided with drinking water recycled from sewage plants - a utility which has only so far been used in an industrial capacity.

As reported by theage.com.au, the project is the largest recycled water scheme pulled off so far in the Southern Hemisphere and aims to being water to an area marred by shortages and drought.

"With this recycled water project the people of south east Queensland will become the most efficient and effective users of water anywhere in Australia," Ms Bligh stated.

After testing is carried out on the water and the new system, it will become available for residents to drink in spring 2009, she added.

The Australian Water Association this week launched a new campaign to encourage the country's citizens to help save water in their homes.