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Post by caledonia on Aug 16, 2013 17:25:30 GMT 10
Isn't it about time Scotland Island was recognised as part of the modern world with the basic commodities of clean drinking water and proper sewerage disposal being provided to it's residents. Even small villages in 3 rd world Countries such as Papua New Guinea with less population than Scotland Island have been provided with these basic necessities. In these times of global warming the proliferation of disease bearing mosquitoes is greatly increased by the fact that there is so much unsanitary water retention on Scotland island by way of septic tanks, water tanks and effluent absorption trenches, because of this horrific diseases such as Ross river fever, Dangi fever and Malaria have a much greater chance of developing and being transmitted to the population of the island and possibly the mainland.
It would be nice to be able to walk around the island with out the pungent smell of an over full septic tank polluting the clean air as it would to be able to turn on a tap and have a drink with out the fear of succumbing to the ills of gardia or cryptosporidium. Isn't it about time! even Dangar Island with a population half that of Scotland Island had the sewer connected some time ago, please let us move out of the 3rd world.
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Post by caledonia on Sept 11, 2013 13:40:35 GMT 10
Further to my previous post as an interim measure relating to the connection of Scotland Island to a clean and easily accessible water supply. It would be a straight forward matter to connect all existing household water tanks to one of the three existing ring mains on the island. the connection to the household tank would have a water meter fitted the same or similar to the standard water meter fitted to houses on the mainland such a meter would be provided by'Sydney Water'. Float operated open and close valve could be fitted to each household tank system. So that when the water level fell below a certain level on the tank (say 1/3 empty) the valve would automatically open and when the water level reached a predetermined level in the tank (say 2/3 full) the valve would close (similar to the operation of a toilet cistern). The water meters would be read periodically as they are on the mainland any revenue raised or part thereof would go towards establishing a sewerage disposal system. This system has the advantage that it is completely automatic and requires no intervention from anyone, ie walking the line and making sure that the valves were in the correct orientation.Rain water could still be harvested if desired by the household or a total town water supply could be used in a tank. the intermittent nature of the demand would mean that there would be sufficient water pressure to fill the tanks to the required level and each tank would have a reserve level built in so that the tank would start to fill well before it was empty. This system would run 24 hours a day only supplying tanks that require filling to the predetermined level. Of course there would be a manual over ride (just using valving as presently in place) to direct the water as necessary in the unlikely case of someone running out of water. We should approach the relevant authorities with this proposal as soon as possible for the benefit of all on the island!
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Post by darthmonk on Sept 12, 2013 16:19:02 GMT 10
As lived on Scotland Island for 3 years back in 1978 I have always loved that time and constantly think of moving back.However even in that time the fresh water was a problem and the septic smells were present then...when you consider only paid $35,000 for my house to what you pay now I am surprised that there has not been a move to say implement your water ideas.Keep the fight going..good advice from you on your water idea..Darth
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hubert
New Member
Posts: 16 
Do you live on Scotland Island?: Yes
Do you own property on the Island?: Yes
Your age group: 40 - 59
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Post by hubert on Sept 13, 2013 9:08:24 GMT 10
Here is a link to an article from the Sydney Morning Herald in 2007 which shows that this discussion was heated then. My question is, how do we revive the discussion and by what means can we achieve some progress?
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Post by caledonia on Sept 17, 2013 22:29:30 GMT 10
Hubert thanks for the research you have done in unearthing that Sydney Morning Herald article of October 3rd 2007 I would just like to make a few comments on the content of the article as follows
1) Why does Scotland Island fall outside Sydney Water's area of responsibility when it has a post code of 2105 which is a Sydney post code. Also surrounding areas right up to Palm Beach are covered by Sydney Water. Dangar Island with half the population of Scotland Island and at a greater distance from the mainland is supplied with water by Sydney Water and indeed has a sewerage disposal system.
2)Scotland Island residents have taken responsibility for the water service that is presently in place by making sure that any household receiving 'emergency water' from the mainland signs a disclaimer stating that they will not hold the water provider responsible for any ailments that may be carried through the water provided from the Mainland,this is a summary of what is actually included in the document that is required to be signed. So the islanders are indeed willing to accept and are accepting responsibility for the purity of the water supply. As stated that they should, by The Sydney water representative ,Mr Brendon Elliot, before consideration will be given to providing The Scotland Island residents with a reliable and clean water supply.
3)In this day and age with appropriate valves and meters available a water supply system can be designed so that any resident wishing not to receive town water does not have to do so, or can have their tank water supplemented by clean town water if they wish, at least they should have this choice in a modern society where one would think access to clean water was a given and part of the reason we pay taxes.
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hubert
New Member
Posts: 16
Do you live on Scotland Island?: Yes
Do you own property on the Island?: Yes
Your age group: 40 - 59
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Post by hubert on Sept 18, 2013 16:44:07 GMT 10
Thank you Caledonia, you are bringing up valid points.
I would like to add one more thing which was also mentioned in the article: In times of fire danger during the fire season it is of considerable concern to the fire brigade (which I am a member of), that there is no guaranteed supply of water to fight fires.
The capacity of the tanks on the fire engines lasts only a few minutes, so is basically only useful to fight a small fire or to defend property for a short time. The Brigade will have to secure alternative water supply. Near the water front this can be Pittwater but away from the waterfront they are dependent on water from residential tanks.
We are, as a community, exposed to a risk that would not be acceptable to many on the mainland and I am wondering whether people on the island would if they realised.
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