The New South Wales Government has announced a subsidy of over $240,000 covering subscription costs for councils and local water utilities to the Smart Water Advice program, which provides resources to maximise water efficiency.
The program offers tools to help councils and local water utilities provide water saving advice.
New South Wales Deputy Secretary Water, Jim Bentley, said councils and local water utilities who are not current subscribers of Smart Water Advice can apply for a three-year subscription for the cost of just one year. Existing subscribers will receive an additional year at no additional cost.
“The Smart Water Advice subscription provides access to pre-prepared resources like fact sheets, smart water audit kits and online tools, to highlight small changes we all can make to maximise water efficiency,” Mr Bentley said.
“The subscription will arm councils and local water utilities with the tools and resources to make targeting water wastage easier and empower water users to improve water conservation.
“This offer will put at least $5000 per subscriber back in the pocket of councils and local water utilities.
“Water is a finite resource and this program has a proven track record, Tamworth and Bourke Shire Councils both reported around 20 per cent less water wastage after distributing pamphlets, hospitality kits and self-water audit worksheets through the program.
“This program is just one part of the government’s commitment under the New South Wales Water Strategy to partner with local governments to deliver better water efficiency in our cities, towns and regional centres.”
Smart Approved WaterMark CEO, Chris Philpot, said the program helps councils and water utilities to promote water efficiency in the home, garden and workplace.
“Smart Approved WaterMark is the one stop shop for water efficiency advice,” Mr Philpot said.
“The subscription provides access to online water efficiency tips and advice, interactive tools, videos and Smart Water Audit kits for residential and non-residential users, saving councils and utilities thousands of dollars on development of their own resources.”
Councils and Local Water Utilities have until 30 June 2022 to sign up for the program.
For more information on the NSW Government’s Water Efficiency program visit dpie.nsw.gov.au/water-efficiency.
