Water Management Plans 
Developing a Water Management Plan (waterMAP) is a vital part of our strategy to ensure Victoria's future water supplies by using water more efficiently. Yarra Valley Water works in partnership with business customers to develop and implement these plans.
Background information
Victoria’s water supplies are under pressure. Drought and the uncertainty surrounding climate change, as well as population growth, have increased the pressure on Victoria’s water storages. To ensure a secure and reliable water supply for Victoria the government has developed a holistic approach for urban water management and has set targets to reduce drinking water consumption.
To meet these water conservation targets, the Victorian Government requires major industrial, commercial and institutional water-using customers that consume more than 10 million litres (megalitres) a year of water from an urban water supply to:
- Develop a water Management Action Plan (waterMAP)
- Annually report on the implementation of their waterMAP and water savings
These tasks are conditions outlined in the Victorian Water Corporation’s Permanent Water Saving Plans (PWSP) created under the Water Act 1989 and Water Industry Act 1993 and are therefore mandatory.
The mandatory process requires industrial, commercial and institutional customers to complete a series of seven templates and submit these to Yarra Valley Water. This is a staged process, with templates due for submission by key dates as outlined below.
Key dates
Users that triggered the waterMAP program in 2006/07
| Regulations commenced |
2007 |
| waterMAP completed |
31 December 2007 |
| Submit an Annual Progress Report |
31 December 2008 |
Users that triggered the waterMAP program in 2007/08
| Registrations due |
30 September 2008 |
| Workshop |
20 October 2008 |
| Develop and complete |
31 October 2008 |
| Submit an Anuual Progress Report |
On an annual basis (from June 2009) |
Workshops to assist customers prepare a waterMAP
A number of waterMAP development sessions were held for customers to assist them through the development and completion of their waterMAP. 17 workshops were held in November 2007 with participation from a range of organisations such as Schools, Aquatic Centres, Councils and Manufacturing. Future workshops are currently being considered to assist customers implement their waterMAPs and provide assistance for the upcoming reporting module.
Completing your waterMAP
Yarra Valley Water has developed an online system to assist business customers in developing a water management action plan (waterMAP).
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.
The reporting module of the online tool is currently being developed.
If you would like any assistance with the online tool or would like to voluntarily participate in the program, please contact Natalie Atkins natalie.atkins@yvw.com.au or 9872 1804.
Click here to access the waterMAP form
The benefits of completing your waterMAP online include:
- Your water consumption data automatically loads into the template
- You can view your water use history graphically
- An online help function is available to guide you through the waterMAP template
- You may enter and leave the secure environment as required and data will be saved in the system for future use
- A PDF version of your waterMAP can be generated for use within your business.
If you do not wish to or are unable to access the website portal to submit your waterMAP online please find below word documents that you can use to complete your waterMAP.
WaterMAP template guideline (RTF 557KB)
WaterMAP template (RTF 417KB)
Further information
If you require further assistance on the waterMAP program and advice on how to integrate water management initiatives into your business please refer to the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s waterMAP handbook.
WaterMAP handbook (PDF 709KB)
The handbook provides a comprehensive approach to engaging your staff, developing an understanding of your water use and assessing opportunities for improvements within your business.
Contact
For further information on developing a Water Management Action Plan, or to organise a Yarra Valley Water representative to visit your business to discuss water conservation opportunities please contact:
Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP)
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) administered Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP) program commenced in early 2008. This program covers all power sources, all primary water sources and all waste production.
If your site consumbers over either 100 megalitres of water1 or 100TJ of energy2 per annum you may trip the proposed threshold for involvement in the EREP program. Yarra Valley Water and the EPA are working together to integrate the requirements of waterMAP and EREP for these major customers.
If you think you may be involved in the EREP program you are strongly encouraged to contact Natalie Atkins at Yarra Valley Water for further information or go to www.epa.vic.gov.au
1 for the EREP threshold water includes all water supplied by an urban water corporation or by another legal agreement such as bulk entitlement or ground water licence.
2 from all sources including: electricity, combustible fuels, and steam and compressed air (if used to provide energy). Please see the below table for an approximate conversion for electricity and some common fuels. (NB 1TJ = 1000GJ)
|
Electricity |
1MWhr |
3.6GJ |
|
Natural Gas |
1GJ |
1GJ |
|
LPG |
1kL |
26GJ |
|
LPG |
1t |
49GJ |
|
Industrial Diesel |
1kL |
37GJ |