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Water Supply Augmentation Update 
Source: Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance
Photographer: George Apostolidis Melburnians are continuing to save water at record levels with 8 billion litres of additional water saved since Target 155 was introduced in December last year. With storages at their lowest levels since the Thomson Reservoir started filling in the 1980s, it is vital that industry continues to support Melbourne households in saving water until our major water projects come online. Melbourne’s major water projects currently underway include:
More than half of the 70 kilometre Sugarloaf Pipeline has now been laid and water is set to flow down the pipe sooner than expected to boost Melbourne’s water storages. Melbourne Water and the Sugarloaf Pipeline Alliance are working hard to complete the pipeline early and deliver water to Melbourne ahead of schedule. Minister for Water, Tim Holding, said current Stage 3a water restrictions combined with Target 155 have delivered more savings than would have been achieved under Stage 4 restrictions. The Minister has announced that Stage 3a restrictions will be reviewed at the end of November, at which time the situation will be assessed based on winter and spring rainfall we receive.  Melbourne’s water prices increased on 1 July. The increased prices will help to pay for new water projects such as the desalination plant, modernisation of Victoria’s irrigation systems, expansion of Victoria’s water grid and a major upgrade to the Eastern Treatment Plant to provide recycled water.
As at 8am on 6 July water storage levels are at 26.4% capacity. This time last year water storage levels were at 29.6%
Target 155 – How we're tracking In November 2008, the Minister announced that in conjunction with Stage 3a water restrictions, Melbournian’s will have a target of 155 litres per person per day. Since the campaign’s initiation, the average use is 158 per person per day. The average use in the month of June was 134 litres per person per day. This is 6% less than the same time last year.
Support 155 is a call to action for businesses within Melbourne to help reduce our urban water use. The program was developed in conjunction with the Target 155 residential campaign in order to provide businesses the opportunity to join the Melbourne-wide campaign. Over 370 businesses have registered for the Support 155 program, accessing a number of free resources to encourage water conservation in the workplace.
Pre Rinse Spray Gun Exchange Program  Exchange your Pre Rinse Spray Gun! Businesses who are eligible for the support 155 program and have signed up for the free audits are invited to exchange their inefficient Pre Rinse Spray Gun for free (limit 2 per business). The water efficient guns are 6 star rated and valued at $326.50 plus GST. This offer is open for a limited time only.
Fire Sprinkler System Water Conservation Program Water use in fire sprinkler services is necessary for the testing and servicing of the systems within commercial facilities. Each year an estimated 500 million litres of drinking water is discharged to drains as a result of testing and servicing fire sprinkler systems within Victoria. The opportunity to reduce water use for fire sprinkler servicing and maintenance practices was demonstrated in a recent pilot program undertaken by Yarra Valley Water in partnership with City West Water, South East Water, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Plumbing Industry and Building Commissions and property and facility managers. To learn about the key water saving opportunities identified within the pilot program, the four case studies within Yarra Valley Water’s service area and whether significant water savings can be easily achieved in your organisation, click here.
Industrial Water Saving Program  Yarra Valley Water is proud to support the Australian Industry Group in developing and delivering a new workshop series designed to engage the industrial sector in sustainable water management. A series of FREE workshops will be held focussed on the manufacturing sector, commencing in August 2009.
Water Management Case Studies: Chadstone – The Fashion Capital leading in Green Building Design  Chadstone Shopping Centre This new development boasts a much coveted 5-star rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, one of the few retail projects to do so in Australia. Chadstone has achieved an 86% reduction in water usage through rainwater harvesting and other water efficiencies.
Water Management Case Studies: Note Printing Australia  Note Printing Australia Ltd (NPA), located at Craigieburn, Victoria, manufactures currency and passports for Australia and overseas markets. NPA has installed a water recycling system that recycles up to 90% of the process water back to the printing presses. This initiative is saving NPA $100,000 per year.
Yarra Valley Water Resources and Programs Yarra Valley Water provides a number of water conservation programs and services that are aimed to engage all sectors of business and industry.
Funding and Resource Opportunities There are a number of funding and resource opportunities available for businesses considering demonstration or innovative water conservation projects.
What’s new?
Introducing Jo and Guy to the Business Water Conservation Team  Our team is focused on working together with our business customers to deliver long term water conservation solutions. Recently, Jo Lepp and Guy Pritchard joined the team. Welcome aboard! Jo Lepp has joined the team as the Project Manager of the Laundry Water Efficiency Program with a Bachelor of Science and a background identifying water efficiency, conservation and reuse solutions across a range of commercial and industrial businesses. Jo was also the Program Manager for the Schools Water Efficiency Program and has worked extensively implementing Community Water Grants for Schools. Guy Pritchard will work with our local government customers. Guy has a background in the fields of environmental management and environmental education and has previously worked in local government, at several NGO’s, schools and most recently with Zoos Victoria.
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