Water Conservation

Being Efficient and Consuming Less

Why is ‘water conservation and efficiency’ an important issue for companies?

As water storages in Victoria face ongoing drought and dwindling levels, there is a need to think very carefully about how we consume water in all business-related activities. Restrictions, bans and incentives are now well established across Victoria and are helping to raise awareness and practical action when it comes to responsible water use.

Water conservation can also bring cost savings, and in some cases provide an opportunity for genuine marketing and publicity benefits that promote your company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Being smart with water is ultimately about using our natural resources wisely in a commercially sensible way. Responsible water use can also lead to energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

What are the design-related water conservation opportunities?

Design can play a key role in helping your business become more water efficient. For example use the product related information in the WELS scheme to help identify and purchase the most water efficient designed tapware, appliances and toilet/urinal equipment.

Similarly have a look at various real-world case studies featured on the Savewater and Grow Me the Money websites that highlight how companies – manufacturers and service providers – have designed water conservation and water efficiency into their production sites and retail outlets.

Whether it’s about designing a low water use, cleaner production system, or a creating interior spaces that are water sensitive (eg. bathrooms, toilets and tearooms), the potential to cut water use and make costs savings is a great opportunity for business.

What can you do to improve your water-related environmental performance?

• Contact your local water authority and find out how they can help with doing a water audit and recommending specific water saving measures for your business. For contact information about your local water authority visit www.vicwater.org.au.
• If your business is a significant water user and uses running water for production and/or cleaning and maintenance purposes, then your plant and equipment suppliers might be able to provide water saving advice or more water efficient technologies and accessories.
• Fix leaks and drips on any taps and appliances - this is a low cost or no cost action and make a real difference in some workplaces.
• Install the most water efficient dual-flush toilets you can source/afford. For guidance on specific products and suppliers and their water saving performance, visit the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme web site, www.waterrating.gov.au.
• Install the most water efficient tapware (including showerheads) you can source/afford. For guidance on specific products and suppliers and their water saving performance, visit the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme web site, www.waterrating.gov.au.
• Adopt the tips and hints on saving water prepared by VECCI and their ‘Grow Me the Money’ initiative. Simple uncomplicated measures are offered to help Victorian businesses cut their water use and save money. For more information see: www.growmethemoney.com.au.
• Raise awareness with staff (and customers) by placing simple signs and stickers near water using products and appliances. Such stickers and related materials are often available from your local water authority.

Who else can help with knowledge, advice and support?

The following agencies and associations are heavily involved in the Victorian water industry and are able to provide a diverse range of information, guidance and support depending on your specific need.

Our Water Our Future

The Our Water Our Future website is managed by the Office of Water in the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment. It aims to provide comprehensive information on water management and planning in Victoria, and to help all Victorians contribute to the sustainable management of our precious water resources. You can use this website to:

• Access the latest updates from the Department's water monitoring and reporting activities;
• Learn about Victoria's water systems, and how the state's water resources are allocated and used;
• Track progress on major infrastructure projects and other government programs; and
• Get involved in water conservation in your home, school, farm or business.

Victorian Water Industry Association

The Victorian Water Industry Association (VicWater) is the peak industry association for water businesses in Victoria and contributes to and influences the development and implementation of Government policies relating to water and wastewater services within Victoria. All 20 Government owned businesses are members of the Association.

Savewater Alliance

A Victorian based information portal on water conservation featuring tips, advice, case studies, awards and other valuable educational information.

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS)

WELS is Australia's water efficiency labelling Scheme that requires certain products to be registered and labelled with their water efficiency in accordance with the standard set under the national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005. The water-using WELS products are: showers, tap equipment, flow controllers, toilet equipment, urinal equipment, clothes washing machines and dishwashers.

City West Water

City West Water is one of three retail water businesses in metropolitan Melbourne owned by the Victorian Government. City West Water provides drinking water, sewerage, trade waste and recycled water services to approximately 276,000 residential and 31,300 non-residential (industrial and commercial) customers in Melbourne’s Central Business District and inner and western suburbs. City West Water's boundaries contain the local government areas of Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melbourne (north of the Yarra River), Moonee Valley, Wyndham, Yarra and parts of Melton and Hume.

Yarra Valley Water

As a retail water company, we provide water supply and sewerage services to over 1.5 million people who live and work in the Yarra River catchment area of Melbourne. YVW began operations on 1 January 1995 following the restructure of Melbourne's water industry in 1994. Yarra Valley Water is owned by the Victoria Government.

South East Water

South East Water is a provider of water, sewerage, trade waste and water-saving services for residents and businesses in an area ranging from the South East of Melbourne to South Gippsland. South East Water is one of Melbourne’s three water retailers owned by the Victorian Government.

Grow Me the Money (VECCI Initiative)

Grow Me The Money is a free program for Victorian small to medium sized businesses interested in environmental sustainability. Grow Me the Money provides you with a step-by-step guide to saving money and reducing your resource consumption. It has excellent practical information related to water conservation for business.