GREATER Western Water and Yarra Valley Water are launching the Make Every Drop Count campaign, aimed at water conservation and empowering people to help protect the city from future water shortages.
The campaign engages the community and water conservation experts to share mindful water saving tips, helping people to reduce their average daily individual water usage from 159 to 155 litres, in line with the State Government’s Target 155 water conservation program.
Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said the program would encourage people to save water effectively.
“We know Melburnians want to conserve water for future generations and will no doubt rise to the four-litre daily saving challenge,” he said.
“We can’t wait to see the creative mindful water-usage tips shared that will collectively make a huge difference.”
A recent survey jointly conducted by Melbourne’s water corporations found while a majority of people think water conservation is important, almost one third do not think they are doing enough to save water.
It also found that most people do not know the recommended amount of water usage per person per day, nor their actual usage per day.
People do, however, commonly save water by limiting shower times, installing water-saving shower heads and turning off taps when brushing teeth.
Parliamentary secretary for water Harriet Shing said the efforts of Melbourne’s water corporations had helped Victoria to become a leader in water conservation.
“As Melbourne grows and we face the challenge of a drier climate, we need to help protect our precious water supplies so we can continue to supply critical needs during dry periods and ensure we have enough water for agriculture, cultural values and green open spaces,” she said.
“Thanks to the contribution of the Victorian Desalination Plant, and recent wetter than average rainfall, our water storages are currently healthy, but we know we have to do more into the future, including saving water where we can.
“Target 155 and Make Every Drop Count provide an opportunity to reflect on the small changes we can all make to helps save water for years to come.”
People are invited to share their water-saving tips on social media using the hashtag #MakeEveryDropCount, or by submitting tips directly to the Make Every Drop Count Website. Everyone who submits a tip has the chance to win weekly prizes and a major prize valued at $2000.
For more water saving tips and information about the campaign, and to submit water-saving tips, visit www.makeeverydropcount.com.au.
