Consider water use

With temperatures rising across the region, Goulburn Valley Water is urging local residents to consider their water consumption.

Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSR) are in place throughout the year to encourage water efficiency and smart water use around the home.

Many towns across the Goulburn Valley received less than half of their average October and November rainfall, and the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a warmer-thanaverage summer for Northern Victoria.

The authority’s water usage data shows consumption last summer spiked in January across the region, with a total of 3398 megalitres (ML), compared to 2728 ML in December and 2964 ML in February.

Goulburn Valley Water operations manager Steven Nash said while water storages were still healthy, it was everyone’s responsibility to use water wisely, especially ahead of a potentially dry summer.

‘‘Following the PWSRs ensures we can help manage water sustainably for the future,’’ Mr Nash said.

‘‘Watering your garden in the evening or early morning helps reduce water lost to evaporation and maximises absorption, and using a trigger nozzle on your hose helps control the flow of water if you’re watering your garden with a hand-held hose.’’

Watering your garden under PWSRs can also help alleviate pressure on household water consumption at peak times during the day.

‘‘Set your sprinklers to run later in the evening, so it doesn’t impact on the water pressure when your household’s at its busiest with showers, dishwashing and other water-related activities,’’ Mr Nash said.

‘‘Following the PWSRs can also help reduce pressure on our supply systems and allows our treatment plants to recover to meet demand during peak usage.’’

Permanent Water Saving Rules were introduced in 2011 across Victoria and are part of the Victorian Government’s Target Your Water Use program, designed to improve water efficiency.

●●The key rules are:

Sprinklers can be used after 6 pm or before 10 am. Hand-held hoses can be used any time if a trigger nozzle attached.

Brooms or blowers must be used to clean hard surfaces.

●Penalties do apply if you’re found to be breaching the PWSRs. People can report breaches to Goulburn Valley Water on 1800 454 500.

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