This speculative project challenges the wider public to begin to embrace treated wastewater in their daily lives. Design can be an agent to normalise and celebrate the use of treated water, which is a logical and financial inneviability in comparison to the much higher cost desalination process. The outcome will leave future generations with a more cost effective, more secure and high-quality water supply. To achieve this, we must engage the people of Melbourne with treated water in new ways. This project is an example of how design can be a conduit between technology and cultural change.

Openwork and Finding Infinity are presenting their pilot project as part of A New Normal, helping to accelerate Greater Melbourne’s transition from a consumer to a producer. With its water supply forecast to run out as early as 2028, Melbourne must start treating and reusing water.

This event is part of A New Normal, a project led by Finding Infinity that challenges Melbourne to become an entirely self-sufficient city. This is explored through a series of installations and talks by Melbourne’s leading architects and designers in a former office building at 130 Collins Street. For additional events, please check back to this website or A New Normal’s website: www.normalise.it