Saving Water

Victoria's industrial and non-residential water users are already making great water saving contributions. In Melbourne alone this group is currently using around 25 per cent less water on a per capita basis compared with 1990 averages.

Despite this, climate change and last year's record low rainfall mean that we all need to do more.

The Victorian Government has developed a holistic approach to urban water management and has set targets to reduce water consumption. A key initiative of the Government's strategy requires major commercial, industrial and institutional water-using customers to complete a water management plan for their business. The program is called waterMAP (Water Management Action Plan) and is a state-wide initiative.

The program is mandatory for customers using more than 10 megalitres/year and voluntary for those using less than 10 megalitres/year.

The online waterMAP program has been used by over 300 customers within the Yarra Valley Water region that consume over 10 megalitres of water per year. The online tool enables customers to gain access to their waterMAPs and provide updates so that the action plans and information remain current.

As well as contributing to Victoria's water savings, customers who participate in the waterMAP program can experience reduced costs due to lower water and energy use and develop a better understanding of their business inputs.

Find out more about the waterMAP program here.