Daily water use spikes amid soaring temperatures
Coliban Water has reported that the amount of water used across North Central Victoria spiked this week as residents sweltered through soaring temperatures.
General Manager Water and Climate Strategy, Adam Crameri, said customers used significantly more water on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 December than they typically would this early in summer.
“Temperatures exceeded 35 degrees in Bendigo on Sunday, and came close to or exceeded 40 degrees on Monday.
“As a result, Bendigo residents used 64.6 megalitres of water on Sunday, and 66.15 megalitres on Monday, in an effort to stay hydrated, water their gardens, fill swimming pools, run air conditioning units, and generally keep cool,” Mr Crameri said.
“High use patterns were consistent across the region this week, which is unusual in December. Typically, higher usage is recorded much later in the season, in late January and February.
Looking back, Bendigo residents used 75 megalitres on 17 February 2023 when the temperature topped 41 degrees, 76.8 megalitres on 31 December 2021 during a week of high temperatures, and 75.6 megalitres on 24 January 2021, when the temperature reached 38 degrees.
“Together, a particularly warm and dry spring this year, and the promise of further summer heatwaves in the New Year, are a timely reminder of the importance of using our precious water resources wisely and following some simple commonsense rules when it comes to using water.”
Mr Crameri explained that while Coliban Water expects and plans for usage to increase with hot weather, there are some things customers can do to ensure water is being used wisely and to best effect.
“Our Permanent Water Saving Rules help our residential customers use water efficiently. They are always in place when water restrictions are not operating and should guide how we water our lawns and gardens, operate fountains and water features, and clean up outside,” he said.
“Our water is precious, but so too is people’s money. Easy things like like using a hand-held hose with a trigger nozzle, watering only between 6pm and 10am, and using a broom rather than a hose on hard surfaces, all make a difference when conserving our community’s water supply and reducing our water bills.”
Coliban Water customers can work out their water usage by looking at their bill, reading their meter, and then recording their usage over 24 hours.
“Being aware of how much you’re using day-to-day is the first and best way to make savings.
“Today’s cooler temperatures were preceded by increased fire threat, and we are also urging customers in fire-prone areas to be vigilant and prepared throughout this fire season,” Mr Crameri added.
“While we prepare our network for the fire season, a reliable water supply cannot be guaranteed during a bushfire emergency. Customers may encounter low water pressure, a loss of water supply, or impacts to water quality due to heat, fire damage to our pipes and equipment, or high demand from firefighters.
“It’s important to keep drinking water on hand in an emergency kit for all family members and pets,” he said.
“Customers can also help by keeping grass and other vegetation near fire hydrants under control, so firefighting crews have quick and easy access to water when required.”
If extreme weather conditions or a bushfire threat impact the water supply, Coliban Water informs customers through text messages, its website, and social media updates.
“You can update your contact details by visiting www.coliban.com.au or calling 1300 363 200. This way you’ll be the first to know about any critical water supply changes. It’s also wise to download the VicEmergency App, listen to local ABC radio, and follow official social media channels,” Mr Crameri said.
For more information about permanent water saving rules and the best way to prepare for the fire season, visit www.coliban.com.au/help-advice.
Last updated on 17 Dec 2024