--- title: Does Australia need recycled water ambassadors to change public perceptions? description: What’s an engaging way to get customers to embrace recycled drinking water? Use it to brew beer. --- [![Indigo by AWA logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Indigo_colour.png?height=24&name=Indigo_colour.png)](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) [![Ozwater logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Ozwater.png?height=24&name=Ozwater.png)](https://www.ozwater.org/) [![Careers in Water logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png?height=24&name=Careers%20in%20Water_colour.png)](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/) [![NWW logo](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/AWA-Website/Logos/NWW.png?height=24&name=NWW.png)](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org/) - [Join ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-user-icon.svg "user icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/new-registration) - [Member Hub ![user icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-locked-icon.svg "user icon")](https://memberhub.awa.asn.au) - [About us ![about us icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-about-us-icon-copy.svg "about us icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/about) - [Contact us ![contact icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-nav-contact-icon.svg "contact icon")](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us) [Skip to content](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-need-recycled-water-ambassadors-to-change-public-perceptions#main-content) [![Australian Water Association | 60 Years](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/images/logos/AWA-logo@2x.png?width=180&height=85&name=AWA-logo@2x.png "Australian Water Association | 60 Years")](https://awa.asn.au) - [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au) - [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual) Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch) - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks) - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals) - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate) Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections) - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace) - [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au) Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) - [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030) - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine) - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal) - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan) - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport) - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts) - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases) - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers) - [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar) - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater) - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) - [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual) - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship) - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award) - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation) - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards) - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp) - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll) - [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs) Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy) - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring) - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water) - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org) - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce) - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/) - [ Home ](https://www.awa.asn.au) - [ Membership ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) Show submenu for Membership ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Membership for me ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/individual) Show submenu for Membership for me ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ Branch committees ](https://www.awa.asn.au/local-branch) - [ Specialist Networks ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership-specialist-water-networks) - [ Young Water Professionals ](https://www.awa.asn.au/young-water-professionals) - [ Membership for my organisation ](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership/corporate) Show submenu for Membership for my organisation ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) --- - [ B2B ](https://www.awa.asn.au/business-connections) - [ Australian Water Directory ](https://www.awa.asn.au/digital-marketplace) - [ Careers in Water ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au) Show submenu for Careers in Water ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Jobs Board ](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) - [ Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) Show submenu for Resources ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Indigo ](https://indigo.awa.asn.au/) - [ Latest Industry News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) - [ Strategy 2030 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/strategy-2030) - [ Current Magazine ](https://www.awa.asn.au/member-magazine) - [ Water e-Journal ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/water-e-journal) - [ Reconciliation Action Plan ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/reconciliation-action-plan) - [ Future of Water Report ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/futureofwaterreport) - [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/podcasts) - [ Advertising & Media ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/media-releases) - [ Past Papers ](https://www.ozwater.org/program/past-papers) - [ Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) Show submenu for Events ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Upcoming Events ](https://www.awa.asn.au/upcoming-events) - [ Events Calendar ](https://www.awa.asn.au/national-events-calendar) - [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/events/ozwater) - [ Photo Gallery ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) - [ Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) Show submenu for Awards ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ Awards Overview ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards) - [ Individual Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-individual) - [ Chris Davis AM Fellowship ](https://www.awa.asn.au/chris-davis-am-fellowship) - [ Guy Parker Award ](https://www.awa.asn.au/guy-parker-award) - [ Organisation Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-organisation) - [ Student Awards ](https://www.awa.asn.au/student-awards) - [ Australian Stockholm Junior Water Prize ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards/student-awards/asjwp) - [ View Honour Roll ](https://www.awa.asn.au/awards-honour-roll) - [ Programs ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs) Show submenu for Programs ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-plus-icon.svg) ![Plus icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-menu-minus-icon.svg) - [ International Program ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [ Advocacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/advocacy) - [ Mentoring ](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/mentoring) - [ Graduate Program - Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/graduate-program-water) - [ National Water Week ](https://www.nationalwaterweek.org) - [ Circular Water Taskforce ](https://www.awa.asn.au/program/circular-water-taskforce) - [ ANZBP ](https://www.biosolids.com.au/) ![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-hamburger.svg) ![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-nav-close.svg) [Resources ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) > [Latest News ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news) > Does australia need recycled water ambassadors to change public perceptions # Does Australia need recycled water ambassadors to change public perceptions? Feb 25, 2019 | 1 mins read ![User Icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-user.svg "User Icon") by Ruth Cooper What’s an engaging way to get customers to embrace recycled drinking water? Use it to brew beer. The City of San Diego in the US did just that as part of its [Pure Water program](https://www.sandiego.gov/public-utilities/sustainability/pure-water-sd), which aims to provide one-third of the city’s water supply through recycled water by 2035. When the program launched a decade ago, community acceptance of [potable reuse](http://54.252.223.120/community/engagement/expert-says-its-time-to-boost-planned-potable-reuse-adoption/) was 26%. This has since increased to 76% following a number of community engagement initiatives, including a partnership with Stone Brewing. Seqwater Drinking Water Quality Continuous Improvement Coordinator Daniel Healy visited the San Diego program during a research trip to the US, and said the partnership was part of a growing trend. “Finding ambassadors or trusted influencers seems to be an important part of [community engagement](http://54.252.223.120/community/engagement/community-engagement-for-infrastructure-upgrades/) in the US, including medical professionals and water experts such as brewers, but also non-expert celebrities and well-regarded community leaders,” he said. Healy also visited Orange County’s groundwater replenishment scheme and the City of Wichita Falls’ indirect potable reuse/direct potable reuse scheme, and will present what he learnt at [Ozwater’19](http://bit.ly/1nBhNNJ). This includes the most significant challenges facing water utilities when it comes to potable reuse, and how Seqwater is approaching the issue. The utility is currently one year into a three-year communication, education and engagement program that aims to create a ‘water wise’ South East Queensland (SEQ). “This is defined as communities that are connected to and value water, have opportunities to participate in decision making and take action to manage water sustainably,” Healy said. “To achieve this, Seqwater is informing communities of the various water supply options, including climate-resilient sources such as purified recycled water and desalination.” As [recycled water becomes an increasingly important resource](http://54.252.223.120/environment/built-environment/barangaroo-to-export-recycled-water/), with population growth and climate change putting pressure on existing sources, Healy said it is important to address any negative perceptions customers might have. “While the construction of the purified recycled water scheme in South East Queensland was contentious during the Millennium Drought, it remains an important part of the SEQ Drought Response Plan,” he said. “In line with the plan, Seqwater will begin recommissioning the scheme when water supply levels reach 60%. “As a result, having a social license for the operation of the scheme is a critical part of ensuring water security for the region.” *Hear more about Seqwater’s community engagement program at Ozwater’19. To register, click *[*here*](http://bit.ly/1nBhNNJ)*.* **Related podcast:** https://omny.fm/shows/australianwater/wayne-middleton-on-water-security-planning [ Potable Reuse ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/potable-reuse) [ Recycled Water ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/recycled-water) [ Ozwater'19 ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/ozwater19) [ Podcasts ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/podcasts) [ Engagement ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/engagement) [ Seqwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/seqwater) [ Ozwater ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/ozwater) [ Queensland ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/queensland) [ South East Queensland (SEQ) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/south-east-queensland) [ Utilities ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/tag/utilities) Share [![email icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-email.svg "email icon") ](mailto:?subject=Does%20Australia%20need%20recycled%20water%20ambassadors%20to%20change%20public%20perceptions?&body=Check%20out%20https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-need-recycled-water-ambassadors-to-change-public-perceptions) [![facebook-icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-facebook.svg "facebook icon") ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-need-recycled-water-ambassadors-to-change-public-perceptions) [![LinkedIn icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-linkedin.svg "LinkedIn icon") ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-need-recycled-water-ambassadors-to-change-public-perceptions) [![Twitter icon](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/icon-dark-sandstone-twitter.svg "Twitter icon") ](https://twitter.com/home?status=https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/does-australia-need-recycled-water-ambassadors-to-change-public-perceptions) ## RELATED NEWS ### [ A tale of two treatment plants: lessons in community engagement ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/a-tale-of-two-treatment-plants-lessons-in-community-engagement) Water Source A standout presentation at the Australian Water Association’s Ozwater’19 conference, which was voted second place for the Best… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/community/engagement/a-tale-of-two-treatment-plants-lessons-in-community-engagement) ### [ Get a sneak peek at the top Ozwater’19 papers ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/technology/research/get-a-sneak-peek-at-the-top-12-ozwater19-papers) Water Source The largest water industry conference in the southern hemisphere, Ozwater’19, is just a month away. Hosted by the Australian Water… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/technology/research/get-a-sneak-peek-at-the-top-12-ozwater19-papers) [![](https://www.awa.asn.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Day%20Two%20highlights%20Image.jpg?width=352&name=Day%20Two%20highlights%20Image.jpg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/ozwater24-making-the-most-of-day-two) ### [ Ozwater’24: Making the most of Day Two ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/ozwater24-making-the-most-of-day-two) James Greene As Day One of Ozwater’24 draws to a close, delegates are catching their breath after a packed schedule of informative and… [ Read Full Paper ](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources/latest-news/ozwater24-making-the-most-of-day-two) Advertising --- ### Subscribe to our newsletters Sign up to get the latest news and insights from us Advertising --- ![white arrow pointing upwards](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/awa-white-arrow-up.svg) Top [![Footer-logo-02](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/Footer-logo-02.svg) ](https://www.awa.asn.au/) The **Australian Water Association** acknowledges the Traditional Custodians across Australia, where we live, work and play, for their deep connection to our precious waters and land. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and the ancestors who have cared, protected and nurtured Country for many thousands of years.   Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices, and names of people who have passed away. Please [let us know ](mailto:membership@awa.asn.au)if anything on the site causes distress. - [About us](https://www.awa.asn.au/about) - [International](https://www.awa.asn.au/programs/international) - [Principal Members](https://www.awa.asn.au/membership) - [Resources](https://www.awa.asn.au/resources) - [Jobs Board](https://www.careersinwater.com.au/jobs) Branches [ ACT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/act) [ NSW ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nsw) [ NT ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/nt) [ QLD ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/qld) [ SA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/sa) [ TAS ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/tas) [ VIC ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/vic) [ WA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/wa) [ IWAA ](https://awa-asn-14568786-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/local-branch/iwaa) Subscribe to our newsletter Follow us [![nav-icon-facebook](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/australianwater) [![nav-icon-instagram](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-instagram.svg) ](https://www.instagram.com/australianwaterassociation/) [![nav-icon-youtube](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-youtube.svg) ](https://www.youtube.com/c/australianwaterTV) [![nav-icon-twitter](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-twitter.svg) ](https://twitter.com/AustralianWater) [![nav-icon-linkedin](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-linkedin.svg) ](https://au.linkedin.com/company/australian-water-association) [![nav-icon-flickr](https://www.awa.asn.au/hubfs/website-assets-2021/icons/nav-icon-flickr.svg) ](https://www.flickr.com/photos/133291504@N03/albums) Australian Water Association PO Box 841, Chatswood NSW 2057 Phone [ + 61 2 9436 0055 ](tel:+%2061%202%209436%200055) ABN: 78 096 035 773 [ Contact us ](https://www.awa.asn.au/contact-us) Copyright 2025 - Australian Water Association - [ Terms of Use ](https://www.awa.asn.au/terms-of-use) | [ Privacy ](https://www.awa.asn.au/privacy-policy) | Sitemap