General News
21 November, 2024
Water consumption on the rise across C’mite
WATER consumption in the Corangamite area is on the rise with figures in Wannon Water’s annual report showing customers used 116 million litres more water than the previous 12 months.
The water corporation’s 6214 residential, business and rural customers used 2117 megalitres of drinking water in 2023/24 compared to 2001 megalitres in 2022/23.
Most of the water for the area is sourced from the Otway Ranges which is Wannon Water’s largest and most complex system, supplying two-thirds of south west Victoria’s needs. Water is pumped more than 90 kilometres along the pipe network to be treated and supplied to customers along the way.
As the demand increases, the corporation is calling on people to work together to manage and save water as part of their Every Drop Counts campaign.
The campaign highlights how reducing water usage benefits the environment and lowers energy costs, that community-wide efforts can make a significant impact and that water conservation can lead to savings on water bills.
The annual report also outlined Wannon Water’s commitment to support and meet the evolving needs of its 45,226 customers.
Acting managing director Steve Waterhouse acknowledged the past few years had been particularly challenging for many people as a result of cost-of-living pressures, lack of affordable housing, and high interest rates.
“We remain committed to keeping bills affordable and targeting support to those facing financial stress,” he said.
“This is a priority of our five-year Price Submission and reflected in feedback from customers.
“During the year, we answered 25,177 calls through our contact centre, provided nearly $3.5 million in water and sewerage concession and $90,000 in utility relief grant scheme payments.
“We also helped 143 customers who were finding it difficult to pay their bills with strengthened and more accessible financial support programs, to a total value of more than $33,000.”
Other highlights during the financial year included:
More than $295,800 in rebates for not-for-profit organisations;
Flexible instalment payment plans in place for nearly 3000 customers;
Awarding $44,000 in community grants through the Ripple Effect program;
Fifty-six million in capital works.
More than 11,900 megalitres of water treated across the region (33 million litres a day).
More than 12,370 megalitres of sewage and trade waste treated across the region (34 million litres a day).