Informing water policy using dynamic, process-based system modelling

Abstract

Stresses on Australian water resources are reaching critical levels, due to growing population; increasingly complex material discharges to sewer; climatic uncertainty; and prolonged drought. Policy responses to water shortages are often high in environmental impact, such as energy-intensive desalination, or dual reticulation, which is high in material consumption. Water policy needs to be well informed by science, to minimise such environmental impacts while still providing reliable, cost-effective water services. A tool is needed, which can rigorously assess and compare alternative policy scenarios (greenfield or modifications to existing systems), including: • Process material flows (e.g...