Digital technology saves water

THROUGH the use of digital technology Barwon Water and Bellarine Bayside’s water saving partnership has continued to see results.

The two organisations were alerted by data logger technology to higher-than-expected water usage at the Portarlington Caravan Park.

If was found more than half the toilets in an amenities block had leaks or flushes that were getting stuck down, causing an elevated water consumption.

Nine toilets are being replaced by Bellarine Bayside with more water-efficient models, showerheads will also be replaced to help reduce water usage.

“These efficiency improvements not only align with Bellarine Bayside’s commitment to sustainability but also promise substantial savings in maintenance costs and water bills,” Bellarine Bayside chief executive officer Bruce Elliot said.

Organisations at Bellarine Bayside developed the data logging technology with funding from the Victorian Government’s WaterSmart Program.

The program aims to support non-residential customers in monitoring water consumption, allowing them to use the data and be more waterwise.

Water audits will be undertaken at Bellarine Bayside sites as part of the program, aiming to identify any opportunities for more water efficiency improvements.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming said using smart water management can make community water savings go even further.

“The WaterSmart program is showing what’s possible when this technology is coupled with swift leak repair and water efficiency improvements, and we estimate a broader roll out of this technology to customers could achieve annual savings of approximately 1.2 billion litres.

“While technology and everyday water savings are only part of the solution to a secure water future for the region, they are an important part.”

Barwon Water is also partnering with Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, Barwon Coast and local government authorities on water efficiency.

For more information on how to save water, head to barwonwater.vic.gov.au