More than 2,400 million litres of the Lower Hunter’s precious drinking water has been saved over the past eight years – the equivalent of 1,000 Olympic swimming pools – as part of a targeted program helping the region’s businesses and commercial operators find efficiencies in their water use.
Non-residential customers make up only five per cent of Hunter Water’s total customer base, but consume almost a third of the region’s total drinking water supply.
Hunter Water’s Executive Manager Customer Strategy and Retail, Victor Prasad said the program has helped identify opportunities to conserve water and find savings for businesses.
“Through detailed water audits and specialised reviews of business operations, as well as leak detection using digital monitoring, we’re working together with businesses and commercial operators to find efficiencies in their water use,” Victor said.
“Identifying ways to save water is not only beneficial for conserving the region’s drinking water supplies, but it can also help businesses financially in the long term.
“Part of this program has involved Hunter Water working closely with its major customers to understand their water usage and recommend water efficiency opportunities.
“I’m pleased to say that this financial year alone, we’ve identified almost 140 million litres of water savings, which has resulted in our customers saving an estimated $300,000.
“We’re committed to working with the businesses in our region, no matter how small or large, to help them find practical water-saving solutions in their operations. We encourage businesses to reach out to us if they’re interested in being involved in the program.”
Hunter Water’s Love Water initiative is encouraging community members and businesses alike to play their part in preserving water in the region. The business has provided support as well as tips on how to save water in the garden, home, school and workplace.
IMAGE | Local businesses are learning how to save more water at work through a Hunter Water initiative.