Customer feedback simplifies Monthly Water Usage Statement

Customers will find their December monthly water usage statement from Central Highlands Water has been simplified in line with customer feedback from across the Ballarat & District water supply system.

Community Relations Manager, Mr Phillip Anstis, said that customer feedback showed the majority of customers thought that the monthly statements are a very useful tool to monitor and reduce water consumption. He said that customers suggested reducing the amount of information that accompanied the statement to help customers focus on their household water savings.

In another change identified by customers, there will also be an option for customers to ‘opt out’ of receiving future monthly statements by returning their December statement to Central Highlands Water in an accompanying reply paid envelope. Normal four-monthly accounts will continue to be issued to customers.

“The monthly water usage statement has been a major initiative to help the community focus on and reduce their water consumption in line with remaining supplies,” said Mr Anstis.

“We have modified the statement in line with customer feedback to ensure that the statement continues to help households maintain their water consumption at a maximum of 150 litres per person per day,” said Mr Anstis.

Many customers have reported reducing their water usage to less than 100 litres per person per day through conservation measures such as fixing leaks and installing water-efficient products. Customers wanting to reduce their household water use can join thousands of district residents in saving water effortlessly by having their home professionally refitted with water-saving fittings through Project Aquarius: Ballarat Home Water Refit. This is available for a net cost of just $30 by calling 1300 88 22 51.

“With the warm weather upon us, it’s important the community continue to focus on water use,” said Mr Anstis.

The community have recorded water savings of 1,100 million litres since the start of the water saving campaign in April this year. The savings are a combination of household water savings, the Central Highlands Water leak reduction program and savings from major commercial customers. These savings have helped the Ballarat & District water resources remain sustainable until the Goldfields Superpipe comes on line in mid 2008. Stage 4 water restrictions continue to apply in towns serviced by the Ballarat & District Water Supply System.