Coliban Water is reminding customers to be aware of their water usage and use water wisely as the region adapts to a hotter and drier climate and population growth.
Executive General Manager Climate & Population Adaptation Steve Healy said although there are no water restrictions in the Coliban Water region, using water efficiently is everyone’s responsibility.
“We had a record demand day for water in Bendigo in December with customers watering gardens and lawns, and staying cool,” said Mr Healy.
“We expect an increase in demand on hot days but it is important when customers are using water they are aware of how much they are using and they are using it efficiently.
“Customers can work out their water usage by looking at their Coliban Water bill, reading their meter and recording water usage over 24 hours, or using an online water usage calculator.
“By undertaking simple monitoring, customers will have an understanding of their water usage and find ways of saving water and money.
“Customers can find information on our website on the rules that apply in Victoria and find advice for saving water to help us manage our precious water supply long into the future,” said Mr Healy.
Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common-sense rules to make sure people use water efficiently. They are in place at all times when no water restrictions are in force.
“All the towns in our region are on Permanent Water Saving Rules. The rules apply to our urban customers for watering gardens and lawns, fountains and water features, and cleaning outside.
“Target Your Water Use is a voluntary water efficiency program which helps and encourages regional Victorians to also use water wisely in their homes, gardens and businesses.
“Using water efficiently not only saves water, but also saves energy and money. Everything we do to conserve water helps secure our water supplies and maintain greener and livable communities as we adapt to a hotter and drier climate and plan for population growth,” said Mr Healy.
Further information on Permanent Water Saving Rules and How to save water is on our website www.coliban.com.au
Permanent Water Saving Rules include:
- Use a leak-free hose fitted with a trigger nozzle
- Use watering systems between 6pm and 10am
- Only use fountains or water features that recirculate water.
Other ways to save water
In the garden
- Change automatic timers on watering systems to come on before 6am, the coolest time of the day, to reduce evaporation and reduce the demand on our network during peak times
- Only water plant roots
- Remove weeds
- Installing a water tank
- Mulch to reduce evaporation and save on watering.
In the home
- Fix leaks and dripping taps
- Wash vegetables in a container not under a running tap
- Keep a basin or bucket in the sink to collect water as you wait for it to heat up or cool down and use it to water plants
- If you are replacing your washing machine or dishwasher look out for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) water rating and choose water efficient appliances
- Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.
In the bathroom
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
- Make sure your toilet is dual flush and leak free
- Install water-efficient showerheads
- Reduce your shower time by one minute to save around five litres of water. Use a shower timer or your favourite four-minute song to time your showers.