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Government - Other Utilities

Acknowledges achievement and a strong ongoing commitment by a local council, water corporation, state or federal government agency / department to reduce own or community water use.

Congratulations to our winner, Housing NSW

Government-OtherUtilities

WINNER


Housing NSW

Housing NSW is one of the world’s largest providers of housing solutions for individuals in need. Prior to December 2005, Housing NSW residents were not required to contribute to water usage costs. As a result, a 2003 report by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal found that on average, Housing NSW residents were using 50,000 more litres of water annually than private renters.

The implementation of a weekly water contribution for Housing NSW residents in December 2005, followed by metered water charges in November 2006 led to some 63,000 households paying for their metered water usage for the first time. A unique billing arrangement was developed allowing residents to pay a weekly water charge based on their metered water usage rather than a lump sum amount each quarter. Additionally, the initiative of installing water saving devices into Housing NSW homes has seen water saving showerheads and flow restrictors installed in 81,000 properties – which, not only results in water saving but also achieves significant energy savings through the reduction of hot water usage.

Through these water conservation programs and with help from partners such as Sydney Water, Housing NSW, has been able to reduce water usage by 9% or 20,000 litres per household from the first quarter of 2006/2007 to the first quarter 2007/2008. Housing NSW is now achieving total water savings of 2.5 billion litres of water per year, which equates to 1,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. In addition, the 2007 report by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal found that Housing NSW residents no longer consume more water than private renters.

“Using less water is the responsibility of all of us. The dramatic reduction in water usage by our residents is very pleasing and it is they who should be sharing the credit,” said Mike Allen, Housing NSW Director General.

“Reducing water use is one part of our new Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which also covers how we will build greener homes, how we will reduce the energy use of staff, residents and our building and maintenance contractors and much more.”

Judges’ comments: Housing NSW has implemented a program that is targeting a significant water user group (i.e. tenants), and empowering this group to be a part of the water saving community. The program is seeing large water savings with related energy savings.




COMMENDATION


City of Charles Sturt

The City of Charles Sturt is a local government organisation located in the western suburbs of Adelaide. The Council has implemented an extensive water conservation program, which has seen the annual consumption of water used by Council decrease by approximately 300ML in recent years – that is a reduction in water consumption equivalent to the water contained in 120 Olympic-size swimming pools.

One initiative by the City of Charles Sturt has been the purchase of pumps to allow for storm water to be used on Council gardens and trees. Previously, this water would have been let out to sea, causing degradation to the coastline and marine environment. This project, therefore, has not only reduced the use of potable water for maintaining street trees and gardens, but has also assisted in the conservation of coastlines and marine environments.

“Key areas of focus for the Council have been water-efficient irrigation practices and educating the users of our Community Centres about water-saving initiatives,” Mayor Harold Anderson said.

“The Council is working hard at recognising where it uses water the most and developing programs that reduce the amount used,” said Cr Anderson.

Judges’ comment: A comprehensive program assessing and responding to the water challenges faced by all local governments.



FINALISTS


The City of Stonnington

In 2005, the City of Stonnington in Victoria implemented a Sustainable Water Management Strategy with a target of reducing water usage levels from 2000/2001 by 50%.

The City of Stonnington was the first Council in Victoria to set a water reduction target of 50% as part of its Sustainable Water Management Strategy and successfully exceeded this target in 2006/2007.

The City of Stonnington achieved the water savings through a combination of innovative water conservation programs. One initiative saw the implementation of a Water Conservation Project at the Prahran Market. The project included the installation of water-saving toilets, a 61,000 litre capacity rainwater harvesting system, the introduction of trigger nozzles and an education program for stallholders and market shoppers. This has saved approximately 16 million litres of water annually. In addition the rainwater tanks play a role in local flood mitigation by capturing and detaining rainfall, thus reducing the pressure on the storm water system and reducing peak flows in local waterways that can lead to erosion.

The council has also worked with residents to change community behaviours with regard to water usage.

Judges’ comment: Innovative approach to engaging community through a variety of programs matched with impressive water savings.



South East Queensland Pressure and Leakage Management Project

The Pressure and Leakage Management Project (PLMP) is being implemented by 11 South East Queensland councils and the Queensland Government with the support of LG Infrastructure Services (LGIS).

The aim of the project is to save water at a time when the region’s water reserves are at historically low levels. This is being achieved by regulation of water flows, reduction and equalisation of system water pressures, and the introduction of active leak detection programs, which in turn reduce the frequency and severity of mains and service breaks.

This project is achieving highly cost-effective water savings and producing social and environmental benefits by preserving water that has already been collected, treated and distributed and thus minimising energy use and carbon emissions.

The PLMP has seen water savings in excess of 40ML per day and a reduction in water main and water service breaks of up to 80%. It is anticipated that at completion of the project the water savings per day will exceed 60ML. In the period between October 2006 and May 2008 the PLMP has saved around 10,522ML of water.

"AWA is pleased to endorse the South East Queensland Pressure and Leakage Management Project where water savings will be achieved in a highly cost-effective manner. The success of the project stems from the cooperation and commitment of many parties, including all of the participating councils, a number of Queensland Government departments, and other agencies such as the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service. The project has employed best practice in its technological approaches and has been widely consultative. Not only will the project produce very cost-effective water savings, it will also contribute to energy and carbon emission savings," said John Graham, President AWA Qld Branch

Judges’ comment: A proactive approach to leakage and water management issues of a regional network that ensured strong participation of member councils and other project partners.