Water Efficient Businesses |
updated: 20/09/07 |
Hundreds of large and small local businesses, as well as other commercial and government organisations, are also doing their bit to reduce the amount of town water being used every day.
Under Level 3 and 4 restrictions, around 400 larger water users (businesses and other organisations that use more 3.5 million litres of town water a year) are continuing to work closely with the Councils to develop and implement Water Management Plans. These Plans must include specific, measurable water saving actions to significantly reduce total water usage each year.
Organisations which do not lodge their Water Management Plans on time risk fines and/or restricted water access. The Councils have an ongoing audit program in place to ensure compliance.
The common water saving initiatives being introduced by large water users include:
- water flow restrictors on all taps
- replacement of shower heads with AAA-rated models
- replacement of single flush with dual flush toilets
- introduction of waterless urinals
- reduced operating times for automatic taps
- vandal proofing or disconnection of all external taps
- installation of water efficient dishwashers and washing machines
- use of commercial cleaning devices and products that require less water
- education campaigns to encourage employees, retailers, shoppers and patrons to be water wise
- installation of rainwater tanks to irrigate gardens and recreation areas, wash down vehicles, clean external surfaces and operate water features
- planting of drought tolerant plants
- increased use of garden mulch and water retention products
- more frequent checks for leaking pipes and taps to ensure faster repairs
Overall, these water saving activities are expected to reduce demand on the town water supply by an average 24% a year. This will not only benefit the short term situation but many of these initiatives will remain in place for the longer term.
Water Management Plans
In response to the drought conditions being experienced on the Central Coast, medium to large water-users (mostly commercial, industrial and government sectors) have been required to prepare and implement a Water Management Plan (WMP).
The aim is to ensure water is being used appropriately and any wasteful practices are identified and discontinued by adopting a water-use strategy that accommodates their unique organisation circumstances and targeting specific water savings.
Under Level 2b restrictions, customers with an annual use greater than 6,000KL were required to prepare and implement a WMP.
Under Level 3 restrictions, customers using over 3,500 kilolitres of water per year in 2004 or 2005 as well as hotels, motels, resorts, caravan parks and public swimming pools (irrespective of annual water use) are also required to prepare and implement a WMP.
Should your organisation/business be required to prepare a Plan, please download Water Management plan Guidelines or contact your local council for more information.