Media Releases
Take advantage of the increased rebates to achieve Target 155 with ease
Friday, 07 May 2010
As Melbourne experienced its first blast of cold weather this season, our water use has remained commendably low - at 139 litres per person per day.
Melburnians have come in under the Target for the entire month of April – a first in the history of Target 155, with water authorities praising our water efficient ways.
Water storages also experienced their lowest April decline in 14 years – helped by low residential water use.
Tony Kelly, Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water and Target 155 spokesperson is calling for all Melburnians to lock in their water efficient ways, with the array of rebates, free tools and products that are available.
"In the State budget released earlier this week, the Victorian Government announced additional rebates for installing dual flush toilets (effective 1 July 2010) – which can save a household up to 35,000 litres per year. So if you still have a single flush toilet, now is the time start investigating your preferred style with your retailer, who can organise the complete installation and removal of your old toilet with just one call, costing as little as $284," explains Mr Kelly.
"For those who already have or are considering a water tank, additional rebates have also been announced, as well as the extension of rebates for households who plumb their water tank to their toilet," details Mr Kelly.
"Outside the home, the cooler weather brings easy water savings, just by using a common sense approach. With rain forecasted for the next week, switch off any automatic watering systems or consider installing a moisture sensor – so that mother nature can water your garden for you," says Mr Kelly.
Melbourne’s water storages have dipped slightly this week at 33.4 per cent - confirming the need to diversify Melbourne’s water supply. Work is currently underway to build Australia's largest desalination plant, upgrade irrigation channels and expand the water grid.
But we all need to keep saving water.
Find out more about:
Under Stage 3 water restrictions:
- Lawns must not be watered at any time
- Even and no-numbered properties can water plants on even- numbered dates 6 - 8am, eg: 2nd, 4th, 6th
- Odd-numbered properties properties can water plants on odd numbered dates 6 - 8am, eg: 1st, 3rd, 5th
- All properties may water plants on the 31st of each month.
- Residents aged 70+ can water plants on their specified days at the alternate time of 8am - 10am
- Automatic dripper systems can be used to water plants on specified watering days between midnight - 2am
- Rainwater and grey water can be used at any time
- Cars can be washed at commercial car washes or at home using rainwater
For more information or for interviews contact the Target 155 Media Manager.
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