Water Use Efficiency Initiatives
Current water use efficiency initiatives are expected to reduce demand to 145 kilolitres per person (for residential and commercial use) per year by 2012.
Further water use efficiency initiatives could provide further savings, and partially reduce the need for new sources.
1. Water efficiency programs (40% future savings)
More savings could be achieved by more investment in Waterwise Programs and changes to building codes.
2. Increased density living (30% future savings)
The future trend in the metropolitan area is for increasing numbers of multi-residential dwellings. Currently the ratio of single residential to multi-residential dwellings is 71% to 29%. It is estimated that this ratio will be in the order of 55% to 45% by 2060. The move to smaller dwellings with smaller gardens will reduce water consumption.
3. Technological advancements (20% future savings)
More water efficient appliances and irrigation systems, supported by the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, Smart Watermark, rebate and retro-fit schemes could save more water in businesses and homes.
4. Behavioural change (10% future savings)
Greater environmental awareness promoted by advertising and behavioural change programs including comparative billing and social marketing could alter people’s water usage habits and save more water.
These programs could achieve savings over a range, dependent on the degree to which customers are encouraged to adopt more water efficient habits or regulation is used to mandate change.