March 2008
In this issue:
- South East Queensland water reform
- Saving water is smart business
- Let's continue our Gold Coast water saving record
- Level 6 water restriction sub-metering requirements
- Congratulations Gold Coast BWEP businesses
- Australian Water Association Conference 2008
- Corporate social responsibility - water saving idea of the month
- Complimentary watersaver materials
- Subscribe / unsubscribe
Contact us
We hope you enjoyed our first issue of Water Biz. We value your feedback for comment and enquiries.
Email:
watersaver@
goldcoastwater.com.au
Website:
Watersaver
Water reform contact information
Gold Coast Water Customer Contact Centre 1300 366 692
Project email:
waterreform@
goldcoastwater.com.au
Website:
Water Reform
South East Queensland water reform
South East Queensland (SEQ) is currently undergoing the most significant changes to institutional water supply arrangements in the State's history.
Saving water is smart business
Under current legislation, businesses consuming more than 1 megalitre per year were to submit a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP), outlining their different areas of water use and devising a measure that will deliver long term efficiencies.
Let's continue our Gold Coast water saving record
Recent heavy rains mean the Hinze Dam is overflowing, and the Queensland Water Commission has temporarily suspended our water restrictions.
Level 6 water restriction sub-metering requirements
In addition to submitting a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP), there is a now a requirement for some high volume water users under Level 6 Restrictions to install a sub-meter on the supply line of processes or equipment which uses a significant portion of the sites' water.
Congratulations Gold Coast BWEP businesses
The Business Water Efficiency Program (BWEP) has been an outstanding success in South East Queensland, with almost 1000 applications for funding, including 221 from Gold Coast businesses.
Australian Water Association Conference 2008
The Australian Water Association (AWA) conference will be held at the International Hotel on the Gold Coast this year from Sunday 30 March to Wednesday 2 April 2008.
Corporate social responsibility - water saving idea of the month
Management Effect have recently implemented a water saving initiative for its Queensland staff, providing an incentive to staff to reduce their home water consumption.
Complimentary watersaver materials
Encourage your staff and visitors to be water conscious at your place of business with Gold Coast Water's complimentary bathroom stickers.
SEQ region's water services restructure
South East Queensland (SEQ) is currently undergoing the most significant changes to institutional water supply arrangements in the State's history.
In February 2007, the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) issued advice to the Government on how urban water supply in SEQ should be reorganised. The final QWC report was released on 24 May 2007 proposing a complete restructuring of the SEQ region's water services. On 4 September 2007 the Queensland Government announced the final model which splits the existing model into six separate water entities, outlined below.
Bulk Supply Authority (BSA)
The Bulk Supply Authority will be a State-owned body and will include our region's water supply assets such as selected reservoirs, weirs and dams. The BSA is expected to be operational by 1 July 2008.Manufactured Water
Manufactured Water will be a State-owned body consisting of the Gold Coast Desalination Plant and the Western Corridor Water Recycling Scheme.Bulk Transport Authority (BTA)
The Bulk Transport Authority will be a State-owned body running and coordinating the major transport infrastructure distributing our water supply. The BTA is expected to be operational by 1 July 2008.Water Grid Manager
The State-owned Water Grid Manager will establish contracts with bulk supply and bulk transport bodies and coordinate the sale of water to the retail businesses.Distribution Business
The corporate form of the Distribution business has yet to be decided however it will be owned by Local Government shareholders (each of the ten SEQ Councils). The Distribution business will be established by July 2010 and includes the coordination and maintenance of Wastewater Treatment plants, all water reticulation pipes and wastewater pipes in the region.Retail Businesses
The SEQ Council of Mayors is currently investigating the scope of the Retail businesses including the number of Retail bodies. Their recommendations will be provided to the State Government by 30 April 2008. The Retail businesses will be owned by Local Government shareholders and established by July 2010.
SEQ Urban Water Reform Model
Our commitment
Gold Coast City Council is committed to providing businesses with a seamless transition to the new institutional arrangements for water supply in SEQ. We will consult with our customers wherever possible and provide information throughout the restructure.
Cost of water
The cost of water under the new institutional arrangements has yet to be established. We will provide further information to our customers when it is available.
Information and updates
Gold Coast Water will provide the following information channels to assist your business throughout the transition period:
- Gold Coast Water Customer Contact Centre - 1300 366 692
- Water Reform project email - waterreform@goldcoastwater.com.au
- website updates - www.goldcoastwater.com.au/waterreform
- face to face briefings if required
- presentations or Q&A sessions for your staff
- information via our bi-monthly Gold Coast Water Biz eNewsletter
Saving water is smart business
Under current legislation, businesses consuming more than 1 megalitre per year were to submit a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP), outlining their different areas of water use and devising a measure that will deliver long term efficiencies.
Although low water users do not have this requirement, you can still do your bit to save!
- Check for leaks - a leaking toilet can waste between 4000 and 95,000 litres of water a year. 12,000 litres of water can be wasted by taps leaking at a rate of one drip per second.
- Install flow regulators or change taps to a 3 star WELS rated model.
- Replace single flush toilets with 6/3.5 litre (or better) dual flush suites, consider converting existing urinals to waterless or sensor operated models.
- Purchase water efficient appliances that have a 5 or 6 star WELS rating.
- Encourage staff and visitors to be water wise.
Let's continue our Gold Coast water saving record
Gold Coast residents have always led the way in wise water use, and our businesses have been quick to reduce water consumption by installing permanent water conservation measures.
Recent heavy rains mean the Hinze Dam is overflowing, and the Queensland Water Commission has temporarily suspended our water restrictions.
Great news, but remember:
While outdoor watering restrictions have been suspended for resident and non-residential users, there is no relaxation of business restrictions which relate to Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPS), installation of water efficient devices and other permanent water conservation measures.
Let's continue our great water saving effort during this reprieve and use water responsibly.
Level 6 water restriction sub-metering requirements
In addition to submitting a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP), there is a now a requirement for some high volume water users under Level 6 restrictions to install a sub-meter on the supply line of processes or equipment which uses a significant portion of the sites water.
- Premises using more than 10 megalitres per annum but less than 50 megalitres per annum must develop a sub-metering plan for facilities, processes and/or items of equipment that accounts for 30 per cent to 85 per cent of total water use for the premises.
- Premises using greater than 50 megalitres per annum must develop a sub-metering plan for facilities, processes and/or items of equipment that accounts for 15 per cent to 85 per cent of total water use for the premises.
The sub-meters must be water mark approved and suitable for data logging. A licensed plumber must be employed to install or make any changes to sub-meter arrangements. They must be installed by 31 March 2008 or, for those customers receiving a Notice to Prepare and Submit a WEMP after 1 December 2007, within 60 days of receipt of such a Notice.
For further information regarding sub metering requirements please contact Gold Coast Waters Customer Contact Centre on 1300 366 692 or visit the Queensland Water Commissions web site www.qwc.qld.gov.au.
Congratulations Gold Coast BWEP businesses
The Business Water Efficiency Program (BWEP) has been an outstanding success in South East Queensland, with almost 1000 applications for funding, including 221 from Gold Coast businesses.
South East Queensland applications have now closed and businesses have until 30 April 2008 to complete and commission their water efficiency projects.
Projects include replacing existing toilet suites, urinals, taps and showerheads with WaterWise models, rainwater harvesting, water recycling and installing water efficient or waterless technologies.
More than $1 million in funding has been approved or paid to Gold Coast businesses through the BWEP program, which is funded by the Queensland Government, managed by SEQ Water and delivered by Gold Coast Water.
Gold Coast businesses participating in the program are expected to save 601 million litres of reticulated water a year - the equivalent of 240 Olympic size swimming pools of water!
Australian Water Association Conference 2008
The Australian Water Association (AWA) conference will be held at the International Hotel on the Gold Coast this year from Sunday 30 March to Wednesday 2 April 2008.
The AWA Conference will be made up of three joint conferences:
- Water Education Conference 2008
- Water Efficiency Conference 2008
- Water Industry Capacity Development Conference 2008
These conferences will run their own separate programs, however will share the opening ceremony, tea and lunch breaks and exhibition and social functions (technical tours, networking dinner and so on).
Delegates registered for one conference are allowed to attend sessions for the other two conferences if they wish. This is a fantastic opportunity to facilitate networking, professional development and the sharing of ideas with experts from different sectors of the water industry.
Come and visit the Gold Coast Water exhibition booth and receive information on all the latest water conservation projects being initiated in the region.
AWA members cost $889, non-members cost $959 for all 3 days (single day registrations are available).
For further information visit www.awa.asn.au.
Corporate social responsibility - water saving idea of the month
Management Effect
Management Effect have recently implemented a water saving initiative for its Queensland staff, providing an incentive to staff to reduce their home water consumption. The initiative has had an impact on consumption and is paying dividends for the business, its employees and ultimately the community.
Employees have reduced their water usage by almost 50 per cent with most meeting or beating the target of 140 litres per person per day previously set by the Queensland Water Commission.
Management Effect pays a percentage of each employee's rates if they decrease their water consumption. Employees claimed close to $1000 for the last quarter and the incentives will continue to be offered until South East Queensland returns to Level 2 restrictions.
Save it with Centro
Centro Properties Group ran a community awareness program from 15 February until 29 February 2008 with great success. Save It with Centro is a national community campaign conducted in 59 centres across the country (including five on the Gold Coast).
Customers visiting participating centres during the campaign were invited to pledge to save water, each pledge giving the customer a chance to win a $5000 savings account.
Primary school aged children could also participate by drawing a picture of the Centro water saving mascot, Sammy Watersaver, doing an activity that saves water. The winner received a children's art pack with the supporting school of the winner being awarded a $5000 Water Grant to upgrade their school's water conservation program.
Centro Nerang Marketing Manager, Suzanne Brown, believes the success of the program is partly due to the two components of the program that caters towards school children and the community.
"Centro Nerang has had a great response to the promotion as everyone of all ages could enter, without having to make a purchase at the centre.
"At a time when water conservation is of utmost importance, Centro is encouraging awareness in the community and showing our support to environmental issues".
Congratulations Centro and Management Effect for encouraging water conservation at home and at the workplace!
If you have implemented an initiative for staff or customers to save water, either at your workplace or home, let us know. Email us at watersaver@goldcoastwater.com.au.
Complimentary watersaver materials
Encourage your staff and visitors to be water conscious at your place of business. Gold Coast Water has complimentary bathroom stickers that have been tested in a number of marinas, shopping centres and hotels on the Gold Coast, proving to be beneficial in reminding staff and visitors to be water efficient in the bathroom.
These stickers also subconsciously reinforce the water conservation message, leading to water efficient behaviour in other areas.
For maximum exposure we recommend you position a sticker above the basin area and on the cistern of each toilet. Please be advised these are non-marking stickers and are therefore suitable to be placed on mirrors.
To place your order simply email watersaver@goldcoastwater.com.au and leave your business name, postal address and the number of stickers you require.
Subscribe/unsubscribe
You have been sent a copy of this Water Biz eNewsletter as a major business on the Gold Coast. To be removed from this mailing list or update your details, please email your request to either unsubscribe or update.
If a business associate would like to subscribe to this eNewsletter, they should either email their request to watersaver@goldcoastwater.com.au or visit our website at:
Water reform - www.goldcoastwater.com.au/waterreform
Business Watersaver - www.goldcoastwater.com.au/watersaver
Gold Coast City Council, PO Box 5042, Gold Coast MC Queensland 9729
© 2008 Gold Coast City Council