Media Releases
Warm up without being a wally
Friday. 14 May 2010
With snow falling in the snowfields, and Melbourne’s night-time temperature dropping to seven degrees this week, our water use has receded to 136 litres per person, per day.
Despite the fall in consumption, Melbourne’s water authorities are reminding householders not to disregard their water-wise ways among the winter chill and resist the temptation to warm up under a shower that goes beyond four minutes.
"The humble shower uses the most water in the average home, and long hot showers – especially with an old inefficient shower head – can waste incredible amounts of water in a surprisingly short period of time," explains Mr Tony Kelly, Managing Director of Yarra Valley Water and Target 155 spokesperson.
"With more than 350,000 water efficient showerheads already exchanged across the Melbourne, we’re calling on every household that hasn’t yet made the switch to contact their local water retailer to arrange the simple exchange. Customers can exchange their showerhead for free at Australia Post, Bunnings, council offices, libraries and numerous other locations – so call your local water retailer to find your closest location," states Mr Kelly
"As changing over a showerhead often can be done in the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, it's a free and easy way to achieve Target 155 throughout the entire year. Saving the average household some 12,000 litres of tap water every year, installing a water-efficient showerhead will also have a positive impact on the household electricity bill – due to the reduction in hot water heating costs," details Mr Kelly.
Melbourne's water storages dipped again this week at 33.3 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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