SUBJECTS: Science
YEARS: 7–8
Imagine how much your life would change if your water supply ran out.
Yet, when it rains, so much water is lost as it runs into stormwater drains.
Watch as scientists talk about re-directing stormwater to recharge a groundwater aquifer.
Listen as they describe how they can use a natural system to remove contaminants from the stormwater to make it fit to drink and contribute to a secure water supply.
Things to think about
- 1.When it rains where do you think most of the rainwater ends up? How much of this rainwater is reused for human consumption and how could we use more?
- 2.Professor Ian Acworth gives some statistics about the source of drinkable water — what are they? How does Sydney plan to replenish its ground water? Why is Centennial Park important for aquifer recharge? What does Dr Noel Merrick say about road contaminants? Watch as the reporter and scientists drink the water — does it look fit to drink?
- 3.On a diagram of the water cycle, draw where managed aquifer recharge using stormwater fits in? Describe the natural filtration process that removes contaminants from stormwater as it moves into an aquifer? Find out what is happening with stormwater collection around Australia?
- 4.Using the natural filtration process to remove contaminants from stormwater as a model, design a water filtration system to purify water for household consumption. Research modern water purification systems. How similar is your design?
Date of broadcast: 15 May 2007
Copyright
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