Revisiting recycled water for the next drought; a case study of South East Queensland, Australia

Australia has long been observed to experience the ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) of periodic alternation of flooding and drought. Australia has experienced consecutive years of the La Niña cycle of heavy rain and flooding. At some stage, this will revert to one or more years of drought, often severe. In previous years of drought, consideration was given to alternative water supply, including recycled wastewater. This paper reflects on the case of the previous period of El Niño drought in South East Queensland (SEQ), aiming to contribute to drought mitigation planning through reviving consideration of recycled water. •In depth case study on Queensland response to drought conditions.•Includes analysis of attempts to introduce other water sources, particularly recycled water for potable and non potable uses.•Examines reasons for failure and non-acceptance and uses comparisons with successful schemes to suggest policy changes for a way forward.