OVER 30,000 SIGN UP TO SAVE WATER AROUND HOMES: PREMIER

South East Queensland home owners have shown how committed they are to save the State’s precious water resources – with more than 30,000 signing up to the Home WaterWise Service.

Premier Peter Beattie and Local Government and Planning Minister Andrew Fraser today announced the 30,000^th WaterWise customer, saying the target had been reached in less than six months since the scheme was launched.

“I’m delighted so many Queenslanders have signed up for the service and I applaud each and every one,” Mr Beattie said.

“Today marks a milestone – the 30,000th Home WaterWise Service customer who is Melissa Mirov, of West End,” he said.

“The service is estimated to reduce home water consumption by some 21,000 litres of water a year, with ongoing savings on water and energy bills.”

Through the Home WaterWise Service, a licensed plumber makes a housecall to install water efficient showerheads and aerators, fix leaks and conduct a water audit.

Mr Fraser said the service, which would normally set the average homeowner back $150, was available for just $20 thanks to the Queensland Government and local council subsidies.

Ms Mirov said she couldn’t believe the value of the offer.

“As soon as I heard about it, I called to book an appointment - to get a licensed plumber out to do all of those things for just $20 was an opportunity too good to miss,” Ms Mirov said.

“I’m keen for my kids and I to be able to save water and money. With this service, we can do both.”

In addition to saving each home 21,000 litres of water a year, the service reduces CO2 emissions of approximately 755kg per home annually because of reduced hot water consumption and therefore electricity use.

“So far, the service has saved 630 megalitres of water, which is equivalent to 31,500 petrol tankers – plus 22,650,000 kgs in CO2 emissions,” Mr Fraser said.

“Using less water means residents can expect to save up to $80 a year off their energy bills, and $20 a year off water bills,” he said.

Mr Beattie thanked the Good Guys at Lutwyche for donating a water efficient washing machine to Ms Mirov to celebrate the 30,000th milestone.

“What a great special touch in the lead up to Christmas,” Mr Beattie said.

The Home WaterWise Service was funded to the tune of $22 million by the State Government and 21 South East Queensland councils.

Mr Fraser said reaching the 30,000 milestone showed the program was on track to meet the 75,000 target in April next year.

“The program has been accelerated in response to the emergency water regulations, but also to meet customer demand,” he said.

“We now have 94 plumbers across South East Queensland and 34 call centre operators.”

The Home WaterWise Service was recently recognised at the national GreenPlumber awards in the Domestic Plumbing Project for its effective water conservation strategies around the home.

To take part in the Home WaterWise Service, visit the website at www.homewaterwise.com or call 1300 YOU SAVE (1300 968 728).

Media contacts: Premier’s Office 3224 4500

Minister’s Office 3224 6509, 0417 752 833