Campaign to slash personal water use by four litres a day

Melburnians are being urged to make every drop count to protect our long term water supply. Here’s how.

Long terms fears about climate change and population growth is driving a push to reduce water usage across Victoria.

Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, South EastWater and Yarra Valley Water have launched a campaign to help Melburnians cut their water use by at least four litres a day.

Make Every Drop Count will allow people to share water saving hacks in a bid to reduce their daily usage to no more than 155 litres.

The current daily average is 159 litres a day.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said while the state’s water storages were presently well filled, sustainable use was essential to ensure long term supplies.

“With the city’s population forecast to almost double by 2051 and the changing environment affecting water storages over the next 30 years, the 155-litre target is just one of many actions to help secure Melbourne’s water supplies for the future,” Mr McCafferty said.

“I think most of us will remember the Millennium drought and severe water restrictions enforced as a result.

“Using our water wisely now will help prevent that in future.”

A recent survey by the water corporations found that 80 per cent of Melburnians thought water conservation was important.

However, almost a third (29 per cent) of people didn’t think they were doing enough to save water.

The Saving Water in Melbourne (SWiM) survey revealed most people were not aware of how much water they used each day or the recommended amount per person.

Environmental Science student Akio Amponsah said there were many simple and easy ways to save water every day.

The Balwyn North resident and her house mate Beth Hamilton keep a bucket in the shower to catch water while they wash.

“Instead of going down the drain that water goes on our garden,” Ms Amponsah said.

“If you have a good relationship with the people you live you can also limit how often you flush the toilet,” Ms Hamilton said.

“We like to say ‘If it’s yellow, let it mellow. When it’s brown flush it down’.”

Kate Longley, who works with Nightingale House creating housing that prioritises sustainability, affordability and community, said saving water also saved money.

“Small adjustments such as waiting until there is a full load of washing or load of dishes before turning on an appliance, using clever planting solutions like wicking beds, and irrigation timers optimised for the right times of day all save water and so reduce water bills,” she said.

Water saving tips can be shared using the hashtag #MakeEveryDropCount or sent to the website.

Everyone who submits a tip has the chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize valued at $2000.