received free plumbing improvements as part
of the Community Rebate Program.
A program to reduce water bills for community members who are concession card holders or those who are in financial hardship, is proving a success in the Coliban Water region.
The Community Rebate Program is a joint initiative supported by Coliban Water and the Victorian Government which aims to reduce water bills through a free water audit.
Executive General Manager Customer and Community Kerry Noonan said the program helped 163 customers in the 2018/19 financial year, with a similar number of customers expected to receive assistance this year.
“If a customer is eligible for the program, our Coliban Water plumber will visit their home to carry out a free water audit. This will include a thorough check of plumbing fixtures to ensure there are no water leaks or anything amiss,” she said.
Campbells Creek resident Marlene Bell heard about the program via a letter in the mail.
“I didn’t think anything of it at first but then I got our water bill and discovered we had been using an awful lots of water since moving in. We have a solar hot water system that was at the house when we came here.”
Ms Bell said her water usage had steadily increased from 215 litres per day to almost 800 litres per day, and despite using more water in the summer months she felt this was an “incredible jump” in water use for a household with two people.
“The plumber sent by Coliban Water was able to replace some leaking external taps as well as disconnecting the solar hot water system which was leaking and non-serviceable. We were very happy with the result.
“He also checked all of our taps and fixed our leaking toilet. He was extremely courteous and nothing was too much trouble,” Ms Bell said.
Kathlene Griffith, a Golden Square resident, has also benefitted from the program and said she couldn’t believe there was no charge for the plumbing improvements.
“I used to get a full bucket of water every three weeks from the dripping tap. But since the visit and the drip was fixed, it’s been great. I haven’t had a drip since. I only have to turn the tap a little bit now while previously I had to turn it a lot.”
Plumbing works at Ms Griffith’s home included a check of the kitchen, shower and laundry taps, the replacement of a rubber seal on the toilet, replacement of an outdoor tap and a service of her hot water system.
“The plumber was fantastic, I couldn’t have asked for anything more,” she said.
Ms Noonan said for a customer to access the Community Rebate Program, they need to have an eligible concession number registered on their water account or be experiencing financial hardship. The program is open to concession and non-concession card holders.
“They must also have significant water usage, where potential water savings can be achieved, and live at the property that will receive the water audit as their primary residence.”
If you wish to find out more, or see if you qualify, customers are encouraged to phone our Customer Support Team on 1300 363 200 (or 1300 COLIBAN).
Last updated on 30 Jul 2019