Alternative Water Sources: The keys to unlocking the inhibitors of innovation and diffusion in metropolitan Melbourne

This social research project investigated drivers and inhibitors of the diffusion of alternative water sources (AWSs) in metropolitan Melbourne, resulting from the increasing pressure to secure a reliable water supply due to drought and predicted population increase. This was done using a qualitative case study approach, drawing on multiple sources of evidence. including a historical review, policy and regulatory review, case study reviews at the development/implementation level, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders at the implementation level. Technology diffusion and transition theories were adapted as analytical tools for understanding the role of drivers and inhibitors across the Multi-Level Perspective (MLP). It was revealed that due to the significant drought driver at the macro level, and the consequential innovators/entrepreneurs at the development/implementation level trying to alleviate this stress, there is a disconnection between the micro and meso levels. In this case, these levels relate to the implementation and the policy and regulatory development. Solutions to re-connect these levels and achieve a secure more reliable water supply are to use adaptive management processes, improving the connectivity between these levels. For this to occur, greater communication is necessary at both levels, to generate proactive and effective diffusion (and transitions to the implementation) of these technologies in order to alleviate water supply stress.