Comment on figures indicating metro water consumption trends

13/6/96

Home owners in Beeliar, Shoalwater, Welshpool, Kewdale, Osborne Park and Tuart Hill have achieved the lowest water consumption figures in the metropolitan area.

Brigadoon, Peppermint Grove and Baskerville are the heaviest water users.

Water Resources Minister Roger Nicholls said that these findings came to light in a Water Corporation study of consumption trends in 263 suburbs from July last year to the end of May this year.

Average residential consumption for the period was 327 kilolitres, but average consumption in different suburbs ranged from more than double this figure to less than half.

The highest average was 717kl in Brigadoon and the lowest was 156kl in the new suburb of Beeliar.

Other high figures were Peppermint Grove with 637kl, Baskerville 631, Ellenbrook 629, Iluka 624 and Churchlands 622.

The more successful suburbs in water conservation included Shoalwater with 162kl, Welshpool 204, Kewdale 206, Osborne Park 207, and Tuart Hill 208.

Mr Nicholls said the figures were based solely on consumption registered on meters which served only one house, unit, or flat. Industrial consumption and single meters which served blocks of units or flats were excluded because they distorted averages.

While there were many factors which influenced average consumption - such as the density of development, the size of blocks, and whether gardens were safely established or just being started - the figures were helpful to the Water Corporation in targeting its conservation campaigns.

The very real prospect of yet another dry winter should drive home to people the need to use water wisely.

Total water consumption was down about 12 per cent on what was expected if there had been no restrictions on garden watering.

The Water Corporation's market research showed that more than 90 per cent of people had a positive attitude towards watering gardens only before 9 am and after 6 pm.

This attitude prevailed in the metropolitan area, Mandurah, the Goldfields, and agricultural areas served by the corporation.

About 40 per cent of residential water consumption went on gardens and only a small amount on swimming pools.

Bathrooms took 20 per cent, toilets 20 per cent, and the balance was used in kitchens and laundries.

People could make significant savings by installing dual flush toilets, water-efficient shower heads, and triple-A rated appliances, such as washing machines and dish washers.

"If your consumption is above average, it is time to examine whether this is necessary or whether you can do more to save yourself some money and at the same time contribute to the wise use of this precious commodity," Mr Nicholls said.

"Our water supplies are secure and people should not feel threatened, but it is vital that we continue to promote water-wise habits within our community."

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 322 6529