Waterwise program for regions announced at start of National Water Week

Showerhead swaps, rebates for dual-flush waterwise toilets, and rebates on new or replacement rainwater tanks and plumbing are all part of the Water Corporation’s Waterwise Towns Program this year. Fifty-six regional towns are set to benefit from the savings which aim to help households and non-residential buildings reduce their water usage, saving precious drinking water in the lead up to another hot, dry summer. The program, which rolls out from mid-November, will take in the South West, Great Southern, Goldfields, Mid West and North West regions. Water Corporation staff will also work with customers in towns such as Halls Creek, Onslow and Exmouth to assist with early leak detection. Water Minister Simone McGurk announced the tailored water efficiency measures on October 25 as part of National Water Week. “Water Corporation’s Waterwise Towns Program not only helps residents save on their water bills, but also plays a crucial role in preserving water resources in parts of regional WA where drinking water sources are most constrained,” Ms McGurk said. “We know climate change presents real challenges, particularly on traditional ground and surface water sources, and programs like this are key to helping us adapt and build resilience in our water schemes. “In its 11th year, the program has saved an impressive 1.9 billion litres of water or around 856 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” In the South West alone last financial year water efficiency initiatives saved around 34 million litres of water. Ongoing assistance across the State is hoped to result in significant savings while protecting WA’s most valuable resource. Initiatives such as waterwise comparative use letters, improved plumbing and irrigation services and swapping out old showerheads for new water efficient ones are also expected to contribute to water savings. Households in some areas will be eligible for a rebate of up to $500 on the purchase of a new rainwater tanks or to plumb or replace an existing tank. There are rebates of up to $300 for weather-based irrigation controllers, as well as rebates for the replacement of single-flush toilets with waterwise dual-flush toilets. Weather-based irrigation controller rebates are a limited offer and available only for purchases made before May 31 next year, or until allocations are exhausted. The Showerhead Swap program, which is for two shower heads per household, will also be available until May 31. For more information or to apply, visit watercorporation.com.au/waterwiseoffers.