U.S. Water News Online
CANBERRA, Australia -- Eleven eminent scientists have proposed that Australia cut its water use by up to a quarter to resuscitate its ailing waterways.
Many Australian rivers have been reduced to a trickle by the vast amounts of water drawn off for irrigation by farmers. Farmers are allowed to use water under a variety of different state and territory schemes.
``Australia desperately needs a national effort to restore and protect our fresh water resources,'' the scientists said in a statement. ``The health of our rivers, wetlands, estuaries and groundwater systems is fundamental to the future of our cities, industries, communities and agriculture across Australia.''
The scientists have drafted the proposal at the request of the heads of Australia's nine federal, state and territory governments, who will discuss it at an annual summit on Aug. 29.
The plan calls for a new nationwide system that give farmers financial incentives to reduce water consumption. Major cities need to cut water use by 25 percent over the next 30 to 50 years, the statement said.
The scientists are led by Prof. Peter Cullen, a freshwater ecologist who was named Australian Environmentalist of the Year for 2001.
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