The CEO of the National Water Commission, Ken Matthews, today released a report showing that desalination technologies will play an increasingly important role in securing Australia's water supplies.

'Emerging trends in desalination will inform decisions on the merits of desalination technologies and the part they can play in our suite of water supply options.'

Mr Matthews said, 'The Commission believes that all water supply options should be on the table. The public needs to be clear about the potential of desalination, especially in providing more secure water supplies. At the same time, the costs and risks need also to be made clear. This publication does just that.

'Australian governments have to date committed to investing over $7.5 billion in desalination plants to supplement bulk drinking water supplies and further investments are being considered.

'This Waterlines report indicates that desalination technology is becoming an increasingly competitive water treatment option. It also shows there are good prospects to further reduce environmental impacts and improve energy efficiencies. The Commission encourages research and development in these areas.'

Mr Matthews also welcomed the Australian Government's $20 million investment to establish a National Centre of Excellence in Water Desalination in Perth, which will develop and commercialise new water technologies.'

'It is important to understand that desalination technology is used for much wider purposes than just removing salt from sea water. Other water treatment applications include recycling wastewater for urban irrigation schemes, treatment of bulk drinking supplies, industrial re-use of water and in-land treatment of brackish waters.'

Emerging trends in desalination is a technical publication commissioned by the National Water Commission from the UNESCO Centre for Membrane Technology. The report reviews the latest research and emerging trends in desalination, including energy minimisation and environmental protection, the economics of desalination, and the merits of various desalination technologies.

The release of this Waterlines publication contributes to Australia's blueprint for water reform, the National Water Initiative, by providing information to improve the health, safety and reliability of Australia's urban water supplies.

Read: Emerging trends in desalination: A review

Media contact: Lynne Griffiths

02 6102 6023/ 0412 786 945