18 July 2007
City West Water is urging the community to remain vigilant when it comes to water use over the coming months, despite the recent rainfall and significant savings under water restrictions.
Under Stage 3a water restrictions for the April – June period, water use was nearly 12 per cent lower than the same period last year.
Demand for water in Melbourne was reduced by more than 11 billion litres for the April - June 2007 period compared to same period in 2006 – down from 96.7 billion litres last year to 85.4 billion litres.
According to City West Water Managing Director Anne Barker, the community has done a fantastic job saving water, but efforts must continue.
“City West Water customers have sought innovative ways to save water and comply with water restrictions, keeping their gardens alive, cars clean and local sportsgrounds functioning, which is a credit to them.
“Despite the recent rainfall, it is important that customers do not become complacent over the cooler months, and continue to be mindful of how water is used in and around the home.”
“By introducing Stage 3a water restrictions we have been able to minimise the impact on these businesses affected by restrictions, while continuing to save water,” explained Ms Barker.
“Storages are currently at 34 per cent of capacity (as of 17 July), following some very good rainfall across the catchments during the week but we need to continue to conserve our water storages and allow the levels to rise.”
To assist the community with its water saving efforts, City West Water is continuing to swap three star water efficient showerheads with local businesses and residents.
The 2006-07 showerhead exchange program saw City West Water exchange more than 8,000 showerheads.
“There has been an overwhelming demand from residents for the water efficient showerheads, so much so that we have set up partnerships with local councils to help more people save water in the shower,” said Ms Barker.
“With around 30 per cent of all household water used in the bathroom, the shower is a great place to focus our water saving efforts.”
City West Water will distribute 33,800 showerheads over the next year, which is part of a three year plan to deliver on the State Government’s water saving initiatives.
Permanent Showerhead Exchange venues have been established at local councils to make it more convenient for customers to swap to a low flow water efficient shower head. To find out about the current water restrictions or where your closest exchange venue is, visit the Showerhead Exchange section of this website or call 131 691.
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