1. What is the waterMAP program?

Since 2007, business water customers that use 10 million litres (ML) or more of water from an urban water supply each year must develop and implement a waterMAP (Water Management Action Plan).

The program has been successful in achieving water savings across Victoria and directly benefits your organisation and its operating costs. WaterMAP customers across the State have saved approximately 15 billion litres of water since the program’s inception.

2. Which customers does waterMAP apply to?

If your organisation uses more than 10 ML at any site per year, by law, you must register your intent to prepare and submit an annual waterMAP to your water corporation.

If your organisation operates multiple sites, you must submit a waterMAP for each site that consumes 10 ML or more of water per year.

You may be exempt from submitting a waterMAP if you already participate in the EPA’s Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP) program. Following your authorisation, the water component of the EREP will be transferred to your water corporation to be used as your waterMAP.

3. What is involved?

A waterMAP requires eligible business water customers across Victoria to:

• assess their water usage
• identify inefficiencies and opportunities for water savings
• prepare an action plan to implement water conservation activities
• annually report on the implementation of water efficiency and efficient activities.

Your local water corporation will assist you in each step of this process.

4. How does waterMAP benefit my organisation?

Completing and implementing a waterMAP benefits your organisation in multiple ways. It gives you a better understanding of how and where your organisation uses water and once you start saving water you’ll also enjoy lower operating costs, including energy related costs.

Promoting water saving activities as part of your organisation’s sustainability efforts is also a valuable tool in educating staff and customers on water efficiency, and can be an effective marketing tool for your organisation.

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5. How much will it cost my business?

The requirement to prepare, submit and report on a waterMAP will not cost your organisation anything more than the minimal time involved in each process. There are, however, signifcant water and energy cost savings to be made by implementing water efficient practices.

6. What assistance will my organisation receive?

Your water corporation can help you with each step of the waterMAP process. Where available, they may provide financial assistance, temporary or permanent check-meters, best-practice water-efficiency benchmarks for your industry, staff training and ideas for staff communications, as well as resources including posters for your site.

7. Can I refuse to complete a waterMAP?

The requirement to prepare a waterMAP is set out under the Permanent Water Savings Plans of local water corporations. Penalties apply for non-residential customers who fail to comply. If you do not submit an annual waterMAP you may be substantially fined and/or water supply may be restricted to your site.

8. Where can I get more information on waterMAP?

• Contact your local water corporation.
• Contact DSE’s Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

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