18 June 2008
A City West Water program helping low income households reduce their water use is set to slash Brimbank water consumption by more than 20 million litres a year.
The Water Wise For Life Home Water Audit and Retrofit program was trialled across 1,000 homes in Sunshine, St Albans and Brooklyn last month and offered eligible households a free water efficiency audit of their home by a licensed plumber.
Following the audit, the plumber installed water saving fittings such as water efficient showerheads, cistern weights and flow restrictors for taps. The plumber also found and repaired minor leaks where needed.
During the audits, City West Water swapped 944 showerheads, repaired more than 2,500 minor leaks and installed 1343 tap aerators.
Managing Director, Anne Barker, said the Brimbank trial had been so successful, City West Water is now offering an audit and refit to a further 4,000 eligible households across its service area.
“Thanks to the 1,000 audit and retrofit visits carried out in Brimbank, more than 20 million litres of water will be saved a year, a fantastic result,” Ms Barker said.
“The program is proving to be a great way to help low income households reduce their water use and save money on their water bills, as well as assisting pensioners who may find it difficult to swap showerheads or install flow restrictors themselves.
“With Melbourne’s water storages below 30 percent and Stage 3A water restrictions remaining in place until at least the end of November, it is important we continue to find ways to save water around the home and garden,” Ms Barker said.
The Water Wise For Life Home Water Audit and Retrofit is available to City West Water customers who are owner/occupiers and held a health care card or pension concession card in the third quarter of 2007/08.
All eligible customers have been notified of the program, with audits limited to the first 4,000 to respond.
The cost of the audit is $50 but, thanks to the State Government’s Water Smart Garden & Home Rebate scheme, eligible customers will receive a rebate so will not be out of pocket.