South East Queenslanders urged to benefit from Home WaterWise Service

The highly successful Home WaterWise Service program is ending soon and South East Queenslanders are being urged to take up the water and cost-saving benefits while they can.

Local Government Minister Warren Pitt said more than 210,000 South East Queenslanders had already taken advantage of the service and the water and cost savings that it brought.

“With the current levels of demand and only limited appointments available before the service ends, I strongly urge residents who have not yet signed up for the service to make a booking while they can.

“For only $20, residents can receive more than $150 worth of plumbing equipment and advice carried out by a licensed plumber.

“The average customer could also save up to $100 a year in water and electricity costs due to the reduced consumption of hot water.

“Not only are customers contributing to our efforts to save our region’s most precious resource, but the service can pay for itself a couple of times over in savings within the first year.”

The plumbing equipment provided under the service includes high quality, water-efficient showerheads and aerators, and the licensed plumber will fix up to three leaks.

Mr Pitt said that while recent rain had allowed residents a reprieve in water restrictions, it was important to remember that the region’s dams are still 60 per cent empty.

“Despite recent rain bolstering our dam levels to 40 per cent, we need to continue to live water-efficient lifestyles to safeguard our future water supplies,” Mr Pitt said.

“It’s pleasing to note that despite the rain, South East Queenslanders are still committed to saving water, with new customers continuing to take up the Home WaterWise Service.”

The Home WaterWise Service already has more than 210,000 customers throughout South East Queensland, with the average customer saving around 21,000 litres of water a year.

“That amounts to a total saving of more than 4.4 billion litres of water a year,” Mr Pitt said.

“This regional saving equates to the yearly consumption of more than 25,000 households.

“South East Queenslanders should be really proud of the significant water savings they have already achieved.

“The good news is that whilst the Home WaterWise Service will come to an end, the Queensland Government maintains its commitment to protecting our environment.

“The ClimateSmart Home Service commences 1 January 2009 and in addition to water saving benefits, will help Queensland households become more energy efficient.

“For a $50 service fee, residents will receive $250 in equipment and advice.

“A qualified tradesperson will visit your home to conduct an energy audit and install energy saving devices such as water efficient showerheads, compact fluorescent light globes and household energy monitors.

“The program is available to all Queensland households and I urge all residents to consider a ClimartSmart Home Service for their home.

“For those in regional Queensland on standalone energy distribution networks, a rebate program will instead be available to install greenhouse-friendly technologies.”

To take advantage of the Home WaterWise Service and secure one of the last appointments available, call 13 PLUG (7584) or visit www.homewaterwise.com.

To pre-register for the ClimateSmart Home Service, visit www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au or call 1300 130 372.

Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819