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| to drip or not to drip, kat asks the question
| is 'drip' an insult?

Is "drip" an insult? Not in the world of irrigation, where sub-surface drip line has been marching towards the leading edge of technology. Approaching 100% water efficiency in some applications, subsurface drip line releases water directly into the root zone, preventing losses from evaporation.

Kat Taylor (pictured right), an Environmental Science honours student, is investigating how effectively the drip line performs with reclaimed water (treated wastewater). Several products will be trialled at a skate park in Northam. Says Kat, "It's really exciting exploring the potential of this technology. Not only could we make better use of our water, we could also reduce the health risks associated with reclaimed water by moving irrigation from overhead sprinklers to the underground!"

Last week Kat and supervisor Dr Martin Anda conducted the project inception workshop in Northam with the Water Corporation, the Town of Northam, and industry partners where the trial site layout was presented.

Everyone was keen to give the project their full support. The possibility of extending the trial from one year to five was raised. This idea is still percolating, but meanwhile preparations are in swing to start the trial by summer 2004.

| more info:

» contact Kat Taylor at the ETC