Make every drop count in Melbourne

MELBOURNE, AAP – Reducing water consumption by four litres a day could help protect Victoria from future water shortages.

With Melbourne’s population forecast to almost double by 2051 and the changing environment affecting water storages over the next 30 years, the pressure is on to help secure water supplies.

One way is to reduce average daily individual water usage from 159 to 155 litres a day – making every drop count.

Melbourne’s four water companies, Greater Western Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water, have combined to launch their Make Every Drop Count campaign.

“We know Melburnians want to conserve water for future generations and will no doubt rise to the four-litre daily saving challenge,” Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said.

“We can’t wait to see and share the creative mindful water-usage tips that will collectively make a huge difference.”

Parliamentary secretary for water Harriet Shing has commended the four water corporations’ efforts to help Victoria become a leader in water conservation.

“As Melbourne grows and we face the challenge of a drier climate, we need to help protect our precious water supplies so we can continue to supply critical needs during dry periods and ensure we have enough water for agriculture, cultural values and green open spaces,” Ms Shing said.

“Thanks to the contribution of the Victorian Desalination Plant, and recent wetter than average rainfall, our water storages are currently healthy, but we know we have to do more into the future, including saving water where we can.”

Melburnians are invited to share their water-saving tips on social media using the hashtag

#MakeEveryDropCount or they can submit their tips directly through the Make Every Drop Count website.

Everyone who submits a tip has the chance to win weekly prizes and a grand prize valued at $2000.