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July 9, 2008
Alcoa helps Barwon Water customers save water.
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A new Barwon Water conservation program will help residents save water inside the home.
WaterSecure Home is the third program in the WaterSecure suite and follows WaterSecure Business and WaterSecure Garden.
WaterSecure Home will initially target 2,500 homes in the greater Geelong water supply region in a 12-month pilot program supported by Alcoa of Australia.
Barwon Water sustainability officer Joel Corey said WaterSecure Home participants would receive a visit from a licensed plumber who would conduct an audit and install water-saving devices such as a water-efficient showerhead, tap aerators or flow regulators.
“Although water restrictions focus on cutting outdoor water use, there are simple ways residents can make savings inside the home as well,” Joel said.
“The plumber can install water-efficient products and will also fix minor leaks. It is estimated up to 9 per cent of water use can be attributed to undetected leaks, so it’s really important to have them repaired.”
Joel said the audit and retrofit could result in significant water savings. "These simple measures can result in large water savings – installing aerators on your taps can reduce the flow by 50 per cent and 3-star showerheads can save up to 70 per cent on less efficient models.”
A WaterSecure Home assessment is valued at $180. However, Barwon Water is providing a $100 subsidy for each home assessment.
Residents may also be eligible for a $50 water audit rebate from the Victorian Government. If this is the case, the assessment will cost residents $30, which will be added to their next Barwon Water bill.
Pension, Concession and Department of Veteran Affairs cardholders are also eligible for assistance though the Alcoa Water Conservation Fund to cover the customer contribution of $30.
Alcoa Point Henry Senior Environmental Scientist Barry Knight said Alcoa is a proud supporter of WaterSecure Home.
“The Alcoa Water Conservation Fund is a three-year $150,000 commitment by Alcoa to support the water conservation aspirations and activities of Barwon Water customers in Geelong and Surf Coast.”
“The Alcoa Water Conservation Fund is also part of Alcoa’s overall water reduction strategy which has seen a 60% reduction in potable water consumption at our Point Henry and Anglesea operations since 1990,” Barry said.
Appointments for a home water audit and retrofit can be made by telephoning 1300 768 721 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Visit the Water Secure Home Website.
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