Program lifts water standards at The Lorne Village

THE Lorne Village is now saving more water and money on its bills after signing up to Barwon Water’s Community Housing Retrofit Program (CHRP).

The 16-unit retirement complex and registered charity now has access to a full comprehensive no-cost service where a licensed plumber inspects properties, repairs and leaks and replaces inefficient water-related fittings.

The CHRP is designed to assist not-for-profit, emergency, and community housing organisations home to vulnerable members of the community.

The Lorne Village director Clive Goldsworthy praised the program, which is joint funded by Barwon Water and the Victorian Government.

“The units are now 40 years old and needed plumbing upgrades, a challenging issue for a not-for-profit organisation with limited funding.

“With Barwon Water’s support, a plumber completed the project in a very professional and timely manner. Cisterns were replaced, as were single flush toilets with double flush toilets and all taps in the kitchen, bathrooms, laundries, and shower heads were replaced.

“This program will not only save water and The Lorne Village money, but it also improves the general day-to-day lives of the tenants living in these properties.”

Barwon Water has supported 129 customers through the CHRP in the last twelve months, saving more than 12.6 million litres of drinking water and $30,550 on customer bills.

Managing director Shaun Cumming said it was great to be able to support its community.

“It’s important to us to contribute positively to the region by supporting customers, keeping bills affordable, and resolving issues fairly.

“We understand that for some, the need for assistance is greater than ever.

“The CHRP allows us to team up with property managers and tenants to help reduce their water bills by offering free inspections and upgrades.”