WATER: Soap, shampoo and your soil - ATA report released

Greywater use has become so widespread in many parts of Australia that it is now more a case of who isn’t using greywater to keep their gardens alive. This is great news for water conservation efforts. Greywater use is not an exact science, though, and successful greywater irrigation depends on a number of factors including soil type, plant type and ultimately which chemicals and elements make up your greywater.

Typically, laundry and bathroom water are the most common and safest waste waters to use depending on which products you are using. The Alternative Technology Association (ATA), in conjunction with Associate Professor Barry Meehan and RMIT University’s Environmental Science Department, has completed a study looking at the impact of bathroom products on soils. A previous study by Lanfax Laboratories had looked at laundry greywater.

WATER (WA): Draft 'Water Forever: Directions for Our Water Future' plan for Perth water sustainability

The Water Corporation's draft plan: Water Forever: Directions for Our Water Future is now available. The draft plan outlines how the Water Corporation will work with the community to adapt to a drying climate and help Perth and surrounding areas become more climate resilient. Comments on the proposed direction are invited by Friday 15 May 2009.

WATER (NSW): 2008 Progress Report on the Metropolitan Water Plan

The 2008 Progress Report lets you find out how the NSW Government is tracking in implementing the Metropolitan Water Plan, providing water for people and the environment. It shows that Sydney’s water supply is secure until at least 2015 and the city is well prepared for drought, climate change and a growing population. You can also view a short two-minute summary clip which outlines the major elements of the report.

ENV EDUCATION, WATER (NSW): Water Education Plan for greater Sydney 2008 - 2012

The NSW Government’s Water for Life Program has released a plan that supports educators to engage the public in water conservation and management. The Water Education Plan for greater Sydney 2008 - 2012 aims to assist delivery of quality education projects that build the capacity of the people of greater Sydney to play an informed and active role in working towards a sustainable water future. It sets priority strategies for water educators in greater Sydney to work towards shared goals and come together to share knowledge and resources.

ENV EDUCATION, SUSTAINABILITY: New National Action Plan for Education for Sustainability

The aim of Living Sustainably: the Australian Government's National Action Plan for Education for Sustainability, launched in April 2009, is to equip all Australians with the knowledge and skills required to live sustainably. The plan has been prepared in conjunction with the National Council on Education for Sustainability by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.