Australian government to fund stormwater reuse

The government of Australia has invited funding applications by 7 December 2011 for support of stormwater harvesting and reuse projects.

Projects are sought that capture, treat and use stormwater to ease the pressure on drinking water supplies and deliver improved water quality to urban waterways. They should also help to reduce the impact of urban runoff on the ecological condition of receiving waters by protecting or improving water quality and the hydrological regime (eg, protecting low flows and reducing the impact of high flows).

Project funding is capped at 50% of eligible capital costs, with a minimum project size of Aus$ 2 million (US$ 2.15 million; eligible for funding of Aus$ 1 million). While there is no maximum project size, funding from the Australian government is capped at Aus$ 20 million (US$ 21.5 million; tax exclusive) per project.

Details can be found on the website of the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities. State, territory and local government, public water utilities and private companies are eligible to apply.