Huge water savings achieved in Great Southern as waterwise support continues

Great Southern towns can again take advantage of free water-saving offers thanks to Water Corporation's Waterwise Towns program - a waterwise initiative which helped residents save 172 million litres of water in the region in 2020-21.

Launched as part of National Water Week, the program makes it easier for regional towns to reduce water consumption and save money on bills by upgrading inefficient plumbing or making small waterwise changes in the home.

Depending on location, offers can include a rainwater tank rebate, free irrigation checks, comparative water use letters, and a free Showerhead Swap program.

This year, the program is available to residents in Cranbrook, Lake Grace, Newdegate, Kulin, Nyabing, Gnowangerup, Pingrup, Jerramungup, Ravensthorpe, Kondinin and Hopetoun.

Rainwater tank rebates are available in all participating towns, offering a cost-effective solution to save water. Residents can claim up to $1,000 to purchase a new rainwater tank, or to upgrade or plumb in an existing rainwater tank.

Households in Gnowangerup can also benefit from a free irrigation check to help set their irrigation system to be as water efficient as possible.

Since 2013-14, the State-wide program has saved an estimated 1.58 billion litres of precious water - equivalent to 702 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Localised offers are available to participating communities until May 31, 2022. For more details or to view local offers, visit http://www.watercorporation.com.au/waterwiseoffers

As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"In 2020-21, Great Southern residents swapped 1,625 showerheads at 1,026 households, contributing to a terrific saving of 172.35 million litres of water - enough to fill 76 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

"While heavy rainfall in the region over winter has been welcomed, we know this was an anomaly against the long-term trends and the Great Southern remains one of the areas most impacted by climate change anywhere in the world. 

"To help combat this, small changes to daily habits can help make a difference. By upgrading to water-efficient showerheads, plumbing in a rainwater tank, or making small waterwise changes in the home, residents can save tens of thousands of litres of water, and help protect our most precious resource.

"This National Water Week, I'd like to encourage Great Southern residents to take advantage of these great offers and embrace a waterwise lifestyle."

As stated by Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne:

"The Agricultural Region is no stranger to water deficiency, so we understand how important it is to conserve water.

"By offering a rainwater tank rebate, free irrigation check, comparative water use letter, or a free showerhead swap, the Waterwise Towns program not only helps us save money on water bills, but also supports us in making small changes with a big impact. 

"I encourage everyone in the eligible areas to get involved, reduce your water bill and be a part of this positive change."

Great Southern region participants in the 2021-22 Waterwise Towns program:

* Ravensthorpe and Hopetoun are within the Goldfields-Esperance district, however, they are part of Water Corporation's

  Great Southern service area.

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