Sustainability Indicators
Aim: The following Sustainability Indicators aim to demonstrate the responsible management of supply and demand of water, minimising extraction of water from the environment and maximising its sustainable reuse.
Unaccounted-For Water
Where we would like to be:
In our Water Plan we aim to reduce unaccounted-for water to 10% by 2007-08. Unaccounted-for water includes water that is lost through bursts and leaks, used for fire fighting, taken through illegal connections or used through inaccurate meters.
Where we are:
| Unaccounted-for water | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | 11.4% | 10% | 9.7% | 9.8% |
| Target | n/a | n/a | 11% | 10.2% |
Results:
This year, unaccounted-for water made up approximately 9.8% of the water we purchased from Melbourne Water, which is an increase from the amount of unaccounted-for water in 2004-05, however this is below the target.
Where we are headed:
We have already met this year's target to reduce unaccounted-for water to 10.2%. We are now aiming to maintain this level over the coming year. While there will always be some water that is unaccounted-for, because water used for fire fighting is not metered, we are constantly investigating new ways to reduce the water lost through leaks and bursts. A case study on leak detection can be found here.
Water Consumption Per Person
Where we would like to be:
To meet the Victorian Government’s 15% water consumption per person reduction target by 2010.
Where we are:
| Average water use per person per day (litres) | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actual | 495* | 437* | 425* | 421 |
| Target | n/a | n/a | 492 | 492 |
*These figures have been restated from the 2004-05 report based on more accurate population data.
*Includes the impact of Stage Two water restrictions which are not permanent.
Results:
Our per person consumption figures are considerably higher than the other Metropolitan water retailers because we have a higher proportion of Melbourne’s industrial and commercial customers (approximately 47% non-residential by volume for City West Water, compared to approximately 27% for South East Water and 22% for Yarra Valley Water).
Contributing to this result for 2005-06 has been the Water Conservation and Demand Management Programs (under the Joint Water Conservation Plan for Metropolitan Melbourne 2004-05 to 2009-2010) and the Water Conservation Plan for City West Water 2004-05 to 2009-10.
Where we are headed:
Since these targets have been set, the Victorian Government has also introduced the Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy (click here for further information on this strategy) and the Water Supply-Demand Strategy for Melbourne 2006-55. The Melbourne water businesses are currently developing an implementation plan for these strategies.
