Barwon Water and Bellarine Bayside Partnership yielding water saving results

A water saving partnership between Bellarine Bayside and Barwon Water continues to save water through clever use of digital technology.

Data logger technology alerted the organisations to higher-than-expected water usage at the Portarlington caravan park with further investigations showing that more than half of the toilets in a heavily frequented amenity block suffered from leaks or flushes that got stuck down. This had led to elevated water consumption at the site, particularly during peak holiday periods.

In response, Bellarine Bayside is replacing nine toilets with more water-efficient models and installing 5-star WELS rated showerheads to help reduce water use and optimise resource management.

The data logger technology had been deployed by the organisations at Bellarine Bayside sites thanks to funding from the Victorian government’s WaterSmart program which aims to support non-residential customers to monitor their water consumption and use the data to be more waterwise. The innovative technology has not only facilitated leak detection but also pinpointed areas for water efficiency improvements.

“These efficiency improvements not only align with Bellarine Bayside’s commitment to sustainability but also promise substantial savings in maintenance costs and water bills," Bellarine Bayside CEO Bruce Elliot said.

Mr Elliot highlighted the project's alignment with the organisation's Sustainability Plan and emphasised the significance of ongoing collaboration in achieving shared objectives.

As part of the partnership program, upcoming activities include water audits at Bellarine Bayside sites, aiming to identify opportunities for further water efficiency improvements, such as the use of alternate water sources like rainwater tanks for toilet flushing and irrigation.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said the initiative contributed to Barwon Water's broader efforts to use smarts to save water across its network.

“Using smarter water management like digital technology can make community water-savings go even further into the future.

“The WaterSmart program is showing what’s possible when this technology is coupled with swift leak repair and water efficiency improvements. And we estimate a broader roll out of this technology to customers could achieve annual savings of approximately 1.2 billion litres.

“While technology and everyday water savings are only part of the solution to a secure water future for the region, they are an important part.”

Mr Cumming said in addition to Bellarine Bayside, Barwon Water was partnering with Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Barwon Coast, and local government authorities on water efficiency thanks to $271,000 received last year through stream 1 the Victorian government’s WaterSmart program.

For more information on the government’s WaterSmart program, visit: www.water.vic.gov.au/our-programs/watersmart

For ways Barwon Water can help you save water, visit: www.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/water-and-waste/saving-water

Image: Bellarine Bayside CEO Bruce Elliot and Barwon Water Sustainable Water Use Team Leader Jacinta Burke pictured in front of a recently upgraded bathroom facility featuring 5-star WELS rated showerheads to help reduce water use.