Queensland’s state premier has warned people in the south-eastern state that they will soon have to start drinking water containing recycled sewage.

Peter Beattie said that due to the current drought, there was no longer a choice, and he has therefore abandoned a referendum on the subject.

It is possible that other Australian states might also have to follow suit because of increasing drought – the worst ever on record.

Although water is already recycled in places like Singapore and the UK, and is 100% safe to drink, the idea is not an attractive one psychologically and has remained unpopular in Australia.

Recycled water will be introduced in south-eastern Queensland, starting from next year.

Previously rejected methods for producing water – including desalination and further dams – as well as recycling will all now need to be further considered according to the new environment and water resources minister, Malcolm Turnbull.