Free water efficiency program helps pensioners

• Free program to retrofit homes of pensioners in selected suburbs
• Water efficient retrofit can save households 31,000 litres of water per year

Pensioners are being offered free water efficient products and leak testing as part of a program run by the Water Corporation to encourage water efficiency.

Water Minister Bill Marmion said the program was available to 4,000 pensioners in 39 selected Perth suburbs to help reduce water use.  These suburbs were chosen because of medium to high water use and sufficient water pressure to ensure the retrofit would provide the largest savings possible.

About 1,000 pensioners had already signed up and were now saving about seven per cent - or 31,000 litres of water - per year. 

Mr Marmion said the initiative was a great way for pensioners to save water without making drastic changes to their lives.

"The free plumbing service offered as part of the program will repair leaking taps and toilet cisterns, and replace showerheads and tap aerators with water efficient products," he said.

"These simple measures will help increase pensioners' water efficiency, reducing not only their water use but also their impact on the environment."

Pensioners eligible for the program will receive a letter within the next five months.  The program will continue until June 2013, or until the 4,000 household target is met.

This project is jointly funded by the State Government and the Federal Government's Water for the Future initiative.

        Fact File

• For full list of eligible suburbs & further information, visit: http://www.watercorporation.com.au/W/water_efficiency_programs.cfm?uid=2446-2524-9877-1063 or phone 6218 4246 
• Program is available to 4,000 pensioner households in 39 suburbs selected because of their medium to high water use

Minister's office  - 6552 6800