On World Water Day (22 March), Smart Approved WaterMark announced that it has rebranded to The Water Conservancy.
With a broadened remit, The Water Conservancy are committed to making Australians aware of their water use so they conserve more and waste less.
CEO Chris Philpot said The Water Conservancy works to support the water industry, local governments, households, and businesses to improve their understanding about where water comes from and how to conserve more and waste less.
“Each year in Australia our reliance on water increases, yet the value we place on it declines. We need water to live and to keep our families healthy. But all too often we take it for granted.”
Research is key to developing and implementing strategies and the creation of programs and resources.
The most recent study commissioned by The Water Conservancy is the Billions of Water Using Minutes report which uniquely measured how many minutes a day Australians run their taps.
“Australians can be on auto-pilot using water at home so by becoming aware of how often they reach for their taps we inspire them to waste less,” Mr Philpot said.
To support local government, the water industry and business, The Water Conservancy provides access to online tools as well as resource materials.
The Water Conservancy has five programs providing solutions to engage with everyday Australians and businesses through five separate programs: Smart Water Advice, Smart Water Solutions, Walter Smart & Friends, Smart Approved WaterMark and Water Night.
Water Night has raised water awareness and improved water literacy amongst participants for two years running, while their interactive primary school program Walter Smart & Friends is currently on tour in Tasmania, in partnership with Taswater.
But their work is not limited to households and schools. Through Smart Water Solutions, the Water Conservancy works with businesses to facilitate achievable and large-scale operational water savings by providing non-residential water audits and water efficiency training.
Mr Philpot said, “We are committed to changing people’s behaviours and raising awareness about their water use. To do that, we continue to certify water efficient products and services, and provide advice about saving water at home, at work and in the garden.
“We enable businesses to identify water savings with water audits and recommendations, deliver performances and workshops in schools and run the annual water awareness initiative – ‘Water Night’ during National Water Week in October.
“Increasing everyone’s perceived value of water is key to conserving more and wasting less. We want to work with you and your community to achieve that.”
