Wannon Water partners to support community health and wellbeing
26 August 2016
Wannon Water has announced a feasibility study into a new project that will estimate the rates of illicit drug and alcohol use by testing sewage samples.
The study, Developing new measures of drug and alcohol use in south-west Victorian communities, was one of the projects to be unveiled at today’s Great South Coast Ice Challenge Declaration Day.
Wannon Water Managing Director Andrew Jeffers said the corporation’s involvement connected with its new vision to go “beyond water for strong communities”.
“Wannon Water is committed to working in partnership with other regional organisations on priority areas for the south-west district,” Mr Jeffers said.
“The Ice Challenge is focussing on education, awareness, action and prevention, a theme that is well aligned with Wannon Water’s goal to support the health and wellbeing of people across the region.”
Wannon Water’s study will determine the feasibility of a research project that measures drug and alcohol levels in sewage contaminants across the region. Similar research has already been undertaken at sewage treatment plants in other cities, including Melbourne and Perth.
“The intent would be to identify areas where partner agencies could target health promotion, education and resources to support vulnerable communities,” Mr Jeffers said. “Future research could also measure the effectiveness of that response.”
The study will investigate details of what might be possible for a project like this in south-west Victoria, including potential research partners, estimated costs, funding sources, technical requirements, links with other research and timing.
“Our main aim is to determine the size and scope of such a project before deciding on whether or not to commit to commissioning the research in the south-west region.”
