4 December 2006

MEDIA RELEASE

$22 MILLION WATER LOSS PROGRAM FOR COUNCILS

More than 100 regional NSW councils will be invited to join in a Water Loss Management Program, a $22 million project over four years aimed at achieving substantial reductions in leakage from their water distribution systems.

The program, managed through the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW and the Water Directorate, will select up to 33 council-owned water utilities across the state for participation in the program.

The Water Directorate represents councils and county councils who provide water and sewerage services in local government areas.

Councils will provide nearly $15 million, and the balance is funded by the Australian Government through the Water Smart Australia Programme.

The President of the Local Government Association, Cr Genia McCaffery, said research had shown water loss from drinking water distribution systems in regional NSW could vary between 7% and 30%.

“International and local experience has shown that a combination of leakage reduction and pressure management can provide cost effective management of water losses.

“The target councils will also be able to reduce operating costs through containment of treated high value water in their distribution systems.

“Ultimately, we aim to save up to the equivalent of 10,000 Olympic size swimming pools of water a year.

“We want to commend the National Water Commission and the Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, for their partnership in this important initiative,” Cr McCaffery said.

The President of the Shires Association, Cr Col Sullivan OAM , said one of the primary objectives of the program is to increase the capability of regional councils to understand and manage water loss in their systems.

“This project will provide skilled engineers and high technology equipment to help identify water loss issues.

”We will also give financial assistance to implement on ground projects to save water.

“The program will deliver indirect economic environmental and social outcomes such as postponement of capital works (eg building of dams, reservoirs and treatment works) and reduced power usage.

The Chair of the Water Directorate, Stewart McLeod, said: "This joint initiative of Local and Commonwealth Government is extremely exciting and will bring a welcome focus to the 'sleeping' issue of water losses from regional water supply systems.”

Cr Robert Bell , Chair of the LGSA’s Water Management Committee, said: “Drought has intensified public awareness of the scarcity of water, and this is an important project showing how different levels of government can work together for a common aim, saving water.”

Media Officer:          Michael Ross     0419 406 400

Media comment:     Cr Genia McCaffery   0419 404 867

Media comment:     Cr Col Sullivan     0418 660 276

Media Comment:   

Stewart McLeod, Chair Water Directorate         0418 636 489       

Media Comment:

Cr Robert Bell , Chair LGSA Water Management Committee     0418 432 754     

For more information contact: