While temperatures are again predicted to be warmer and drier than average, permanent water saving rules are in place across the state, and residents are being urged to be water wise and consider how much water they are using around the home.
Across the Goulburn Valley, water demand is already trending higher than in previous years – December saw 3545 megalitres of water delivered to households in the region, a 19 per cent increase on the December’s delivery total in 2018.
On average, residents used on average 530 litres a person, a day in December last year, compared with an average of 434 litres a person a day in December 2018.
Goulburn Valley Water managing director Peter Quinn said it was everyone’s responsibility to use water wisely and sustainably.
“Our climate is changing and we can’t rely on rainfall like in the past, so we need everyone to adopt an ‘every drop counts’ approach to using water,” he said.
“If everyone takes action to reduce their water usage and make little changes around the household, the water savings will add up – together, we can make a difference.
“With the changing climatic conditions we’re experiencing in northern Victoria, water conservation is more important than ever and we all have a role to play to ensure its sustainability for future generations.
“We’re asking people to be conscious of where they’re using water and look at how they can reduce that – there are plenty of options to reduce water use that won’t impact on your lifestyle, but can easily save bucketloads.
“Check for leaks and fix dripping taps, use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, turn the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth and catch water in a basin while washing vegetables – there’s plenty of ways you can make a difference.”
People can make sure every drop of water they use counts by following the rules, which includes watering the garden between 6 pm and 10 am, using a blower or a broom to clean hard surfaces, and use a bucket and a leak-free hose fitted with a trigger nozzle to wash vehicles.
“People in the Goulburn Valley showed some excellent water saving behaviours during the Millennium Drought – now is the time to reintroduce your greywater system and other water saving measures,” Mr Quinn said.
“Simple things around the home can save hundreds of litres per day – cutting your shower down to four minutes can save 40 litres a day and turning the tap off while you brush your teeth will help save 10 litres a minute.”
People can find more information and tips and tricks to save water, including information on the Victorian Government’s Target Your Water Use program at gvwater.vic.gov.au/every-drop-counts
21°C