East Gippsland Water and East Gippsland Shire Council have joined forces on an innovative campaign to encourage locals and visitors to save drinking water and bin wet wipes.
The partnership sees Council placing eye-catching East Gippsland Water posters and stickers in public toilets, baby change rooms, and caravan and camping parks across the region.
The collaboration allows the campaign to reach its audience right at the point where they are using water or wet wipes. The aims of the campaign are to educate people on the importance of saving water and encourage people who use wet wipes to put them in the bin, not down the toilet. Wet wipes area major cause of toilet and sewer system blockages.
East Gippsland Water’s General Manager Customer, Community and Communications, David Radford, said holidaymakers were another key target of the campaign.
“East Gippsland is a popular destination for domestic and international tourists. East Gippsland Shire Council manages one of the largest caravan parks in Victoria, Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park, so it makes sense to partner with them to help get the water saving message to our region’s visitors,” Mr Radford said.
“Our message is ‘water conservation doesn’t take a holiday’. Even when you’re away from home, it’s important to do your bit to conserve water for the future. The cumulative effect of small individual steps – like taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, or using the half-flush button – can make a big difference.”
He said the other key message – supported by a cartoon of a wet wipe monster – is that all wet wipes, even ones labelled flushable ones, should be binned and not flushed down the toilet.
“Regardless of what the packaging might say, wet wipes are designed to be durable and stay intact. Because they don’t break down in water like toilet paper does, they are a major cause of sewer blockages and damage to our wastewater treatment facilities,” Mr Radford explained.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the campaign is expected to cut water use and reduce facility maintenance.
“Reducing water use in our public facilities benefits our environment, community and ratepayers. Keeping public toilets running smoothly and free from blockages improves the experience for locals and visitors,” Cr Ashworth said.
“That’s a win for everyone.”
The awareness campaign sees the Council placing eye-catching East Gippsland Water educational materials in Council’s public restrooms across the region.