Waterbout Our Future

 

 

We’re all working together to use water wisely…

Manly Council has now successfully reduced its total annual organisational water consumption by 55% between 2000/01 and 2007/08, based on figures released from Sydney Water. This achievement meets Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2006 and Management Plan 2008–2011 target of a 50% reduction in Council’s water consumption by 2010, two years ahead of schedule.

Manly Council is responsible for 434 parcels of land in the Manly LGA (346 owned, 88 managed), and is currently responsible for water used from 145 different water meters on those properties.

Potable water (drinking water) has historically been used by Manly Council in a wide range of applications, including: irrigation of gardens and sports fields, in Surf Life Saving Clubs including surf boat washing, in public amenities for toilet flushing, in street cleaning and sweeping vehicles, in administration buildings (Council Chambers, Manly Library, and Balgowlah Depot and Offices), in truck washing, and in a host of other activities.

Since 2000/01, Manly Council has implemented a Council-wide Water Cycle Management Program. This program has overseen:

Water Conservation:

  • Retrofit of water conservation devices on properties Council-wide
  • Implementation of a concealed leak investigation and rectification program
  • Asset replacement

Alternate Water Supply Development:

  • Installation of rainwater tanks on Council buildings and Surf Life Saving Clubs for flushing toilets and washing surf boats
  • Harvesting and treating stormwater for re-use in irrigation, and for truck washing and other applications at Council’s Balgowlah Depot
  • Development of groundwater (bore water) schemes for use in irrigation of gardens and sports fields (now used in Ivanhoe Park, LM Graham Reserve, Manly Ocean Beach Reserve, Clontarf Reserve, East and West Esplanade, and Little Manly).

These actions have resulted in a decrease in Council’s potable water (drinking water) consumption sourced from Warragamba Dam, from 176 million litres/year (2000/01), to 79 million litres/year (2007/08). This represents an annual saving of 97 million litres a year at present savings levels, and up to $170,000/year ongoing in financial savings.

Water conservation makes good sense socially, environmentally, and economically and allows organisations and households to operate more within their local water cycle.

 

What can you do to save water?

We all need to be diligent with our water saving efforts. Even when it’s raining we can’t afford to get lax. Together we can make a huge difference. Every little bit really does help.

  • Find and fix all leaks around your home. Dripping taps and leaking toilets waste huge amounts of water. See if you have any hidden leaks by turning everything off and checking to see if your water meter is registering any water use.
  • Install water saving fixtures and appliances such as water efficient showerheads, shower timers, tap aerators, flow restrictors, dual flush toilets (even a filled plastic bottle in the cistern will save water every flush), water efficient washing machines and dish washers. Look for the government’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme star rating labels on products (just like the energy star rating system). The more stars, the less water the product uses. The labels also show a water consumption or water flow figure. Rebates may be available on some products.
  • Look out for the Smart Approved WaterMark label when shopping. These products will help you save water around your home, garden and pool.
  • In the garden mulch garden beds and pots well and re-mulch when getting thin, check soil moisture before watering, water early morning or in the evening, drip irrigate rather than hose, add water holding crystals to the soil, choose low water use plants,  abide by current water restrictions.
  • Save water around the pool and spa by using a pool/spa cover, fix any leaks, collect rainwater to top up pool/spa, maintain correct chemical balances, discourage bombing.
  • Clean the car using a waterless car wash or use a watering can or high pressure low flow device, wash it in the rain and always wash on the grass.
  • Clean in and around your home using microfibre technology cloths that use minimal water and no chemicals.
  • Install a rainwater tank to collect rainwater for watering the garden and connect it to your toilet/s and laundry. Conditions apply, speak to Council. Rebates are available up to $1500.
  • Install a greywater diversion system for watering the garden or a greywater treatment system to treat and reuse laundry, hand basin, bath and shower water for flushing toilets, and washing clothes. Please refer to the NSW Health Department guidelines for greywater reuse for residential premises and Council’s Environmental Health Unit prior to proceeding with greywater reuse.

 

To download this information as a fact sheet for storing or printing click here  Waterbout Our Future Fact Sheet - 580 KB

 

For more tips on how to use water wisely, visit www.waterforlife.nsw.gov.au

 

Manly Council and Water for Life working together to save water.