5 January 2009

NSW councils are on their way to saving 10,000 mega litres of water by July 2010 thanks to a $22m joint initiative of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA) and the NSW Water Directorate.

The Water Loss Management Program, which is also partly funded by the Federal Government's Water Smart Australia Program, encourages local water utilities to adopt innovative and practical water-saving solutions.

President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery says a large number of councils have joined the program with innovative
projects.

"The program highlights councils' commitment to environmental sustainability, with 55 councils across NSW involved," said Cr
McCaffery.

"Three small projects are already complete - which means councils have already saved about 210 mega litres of water per annum - a great start.

"This figure is set to skyrocket over the coming months as more and more projects are completed.

President of the Shires Association, Cr Bruce Miller says the project reminds communities about the need to save water.

"Water is a precious commodity, especially in our drought-stricken communities, and the Water Loss Management Program reminds us never to
take it for granted," said Cr Miller.

"It's also a good way to encourage residents to adopt water saving measures in their own homes.

"The program's website makes it easy to track exactly how much water is being saved, minute to minute, and offers the latest and most up-to-date information on current projects."

"Having the Water Directorate and Federal Government involved in the program shows the importance of saving water across a number of levels," added Cr McCaffery.

"I encourage all local water utilities to get involved, it's not too late to join the program and apply for funding."

For more information, visit the Water Loss Management Program website at www.waterloss.lgsa.org.au or phone Ian Maggs, Water Loss Program Manager at the LGSA on 02 9242 4127.

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