Voluntary water savings
introduced from midnight

East Gippsland Water’s storages are virtually full but the Authority has called for the introduction of voluntary water savings from midnight tonight (October 27).  “The adoption of voluntary water savings can equate to a very significant reduction in water consumption”, said East Gippsland Water Chief Executive Officer, Les Mathieson.

“In view of record low stream flows in East Gippsland (especially the Mitchell River) and meteorological predictions for high summer temperatures and low rainfall, it is sensible to ask consumers to voluntarily restrict their use of water in every way they can.

 “By introducing voluntary reductions in water use at an early stage, the possibility of future restrictions being required will be reduced”, Mr Mathieson added.

“Water users should always be conscious of the volume of water they are using and ensure that at the very least they comply with permanent water saving rules introduced across the state earlier this year.  For most, water used on gardens constitutes the highest portion of discretionary home usage and as such, should be used thoughtfully, only when needed and during early morning or evening when less is lost through evaporation.

“Every drop counts and collectively, we can make a difference. Consumers can save substantial amounts of water in several ways. Water efficient shower heads are a start but every minute under a shower can use in the order of 20 litres of water.  At that rate a three minute shower will save 40 litres of water over and above a five minute shower.  Using a daily shower as a guide, that equates to nearly 15,000 litres per year (a very large tank full), or over fifty thousand litres of extra water used in a year by those who take ten minute showers.

Mr Mathieson said that as a way of keeping East Gippslanders informed, the Authority has arranged to publish a weekly column in the East Gippsland News each Wednesday beginning next week and continuing for as long as dry conditions prevail.  Updated weekly, the column will include stream flows, storage basin levels and weekly consumption figures for a number of centres.

“Freely available from the Bairnsdale Office, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Omeo and Mallacoota Depots, the Authority’s brochures on ways to save water, permanent water saving rules information and cards will assist in our quest to use water wisely,” said Mr Mathieson.

“Alternatively, for further information call us on 1300 72 700, or log on to the Authority’s website www.egwater.vic.gov.au.  The weekly column in the East Gippsland news will also be posted on the website.

Mr Mathieson added he was confident water users throughout East Gippsland would respond to the call for voluntary water savings by using water wisely as a matter of course.  “For most, it has already become a life-time habit but we must all be vigilant about the use of a most precious resource”, he concluded.