Understand your Smart Account
The Smart Account goes beyond your typical utility bill. It encourages households to save water with practical advice. It even helps you compare your water-saving efforts against water-efficient households of a similar size and garden type.
As of January 2008 you will notice that the figures quoted on your Smart Account for a water-efficient household have been reduced.
Why have the figures been reduced?
This reduction is the result of extensive research and analysis of the community’s water consumption and shows our customers are becoming much more water wise.
What does the change in consumption figures mean to you?
You may have already noticed a decrease in your own water usage figures over time. You’ve done a great job – reducing water use across Melbourne by 22% since the introduction of Stage 3 and 3a restrictions. However, we must still remain vigilant and continue to find ways to save more water. Further reductions can be achieved by the use of more efficient appliances together with more efficient usage behaviour. Visit water conservation for more tips and ideas on how to save water.
What is the difference between a water efficient household and a typical household?
A water efficient household uses water in the same way as a typical household but has implemented a range of water efficient appliances and measures in their homes. Water-efficient households are defined as using 15% less water in the garden than that of a typical household.
How do you calculate these figures?
Our team of demand forecasters use a series of methodologies to arrive at the figures quoted on your account. See the table below for a simple breakdown of how the figures were calculated and how they differ between a ‘typical’ and ‘water-efficient’ household.
Water use methodology
| No garden |
We conducted a survey of 850 residential households which was undertaken between August and October 2007.
These results together with your meter readings for the quarter ending September 2007 provided the raw data from which the ‘typical’ usage figures were determined. |
We combined average water usage patterns in the home with the volumes of water used by the following efficient appliances:
- 3 star rated showerhead
- 4 star rated washing machine
- 4 star rated dishwasher
- 4.5/3 litre dual flush toilet
|
| Garden |
We used meter readings from the 2005/06 year and compared summer versus winter water use.
Typically you wouldn’t water your garden during winter therefore we estimate that the excess water you use in the summer months is used on the garden.
These figures also take into account current water restrictions - the ability to only water your garden twice a week. |
We subtracted 15% of typical garden water use. |
Approximate garden sizes
Small - Units and apartments – approximately 100,000 customers
Medium – The majority of residential houses – approximately 480,000 customers
Large – Houses in selected suburbs, typically with lot sizes over 1,000 square meters – approximately 20,000 customers.
If you would like more information on the source of smart account usage numbers
click here (PDF 27KB).
International Water Association (IWA) Communications and Marketing Award
An international jury has selected Yarra Valley Water's Smart Account as the IWA Marketing and Communications award winner in the category of 'customer bills'.
View our submission (PDF 284KB)
Useful links
Sample Account
View a sample Residential Water Bill with Smart Account here.