Water utilities are preparing ahead of the Australian Water Association’s (AWA) annual National Water Week, encouraging education and reflection on our most precious resource.
Held the third week of October annually, AWA hosts National Water Week to promote the value of water across Australia, inspiring individuals, education providers, communities, and other organisations such as local businesses and water utilities to work together to raise community awareness and understanding of water-related issues.
AWA has for the first time partnered with the Federal Government to help elevate the profile of this year’s National Water Week and its theme ‘Our Water Stories’.
AWA President, Louise Dudley said this year’s theme encourages participants to reflect on their personal relationship to water..
“’Our Water Stories’ invites everyone to think more deeply about our relationship with water. With water comprising three-quarters of our planet and two-thirds of our bodies, its essentiality in our lives cannot be overstated,” Ms Dudley said.
“With the AWA celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2022, ‘Our Water Stories’ encourages reflection and sharing of these experiences and relationships.”
AWA is also excited for the support of the Australian Federal Government, who have come on board as a partner this year.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s Head of Division – Water, Matthew Dadswell, said National Water Week was an important opportunity to educate the Australian community about sharing and sustaining national water resources for communities, the environment and industries.
“The Australian Government’s new partnership with the Australian Water Association to support National Water Week in 2022 helps us play a pivotal role in connecting governments with industries and communities across the board to improve water literacy,“ Mr Dadswell said.
Goulburn Valley Water has announced it will open two of its sites for public tours, allowing residents and students insight into the utilities important work.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director, Steve Capewell, said the tours during National Water
Week were a great opportunity for a rare insight behind the scenes at two of GVW’s water
treatment plants.
“National Water Week is a great opportunity to learn more about where your water comes from,
and the process we go through to filter and treat it to high standards to ensure it’s safe to drink,”
Dr Capewell said.
‘It’s also a great reminder of how important it is to be waterwise to conserve water for future
generations to enjoy and how much we rely on water in our daily lives, from drinking and cooking to hygiene, cleaning and recreation.”
Tours of GVW’s Shepparton and Tatura’s water treatment plants are available to the public at the following dates:
• Shepparton: Tuesday 18 October, from 12 noon for talk, light lunch and tour
• Tatura: Wednesday 19 October, from 12 noon for talk, light lunch and tour
Residents nationwide can participate in Water Week by hosting or supporting an educational event, inviting an AWA ambassador to your school, or sharing your own water story with the hashtag #NationalWaterWeek and #OurWaterStories.
