Vic: Rainwater tanks help curb water consumption - govt

AAP General News (Australia)
12-05-2007
Vic: Rainwater tanks help curb water consumption - govt

MELBOURNE, Dec 5 AAP - Victoria's water consumption has been slashed by almost 30 per
cent because of government rebates for installing rainwater tanks and water saving devices.

Water Minister Tim Holding said today that more than 19,000 households across the state
had installed a rainwater tank since January 2003.

The program had resulted in a saving of about 1.5 billion litres of drinking water,
or about 28 per cent, he said.

"Rainwater tanks are an excellent way to save water around the home as well as providing
a solution to water restrictions," Mr Holding said.

"There are no restrictions on the use of rainwater in Victoria which means this water
can be used for a range of purposes, including keeping gardens healthy and for washing
cars."

Under the state's Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate Scheme households are eligible
for a maximum rebate of $1,000 for installing a 5,000-litre or larger rainwater tank connected
to the toilet and laundry.

The government has provided more than 186,000 rebates to households on water saving
products like tanks, mulch and water efficient shower heads since January 2003.

"This is a significant incentive for people to purchase a rainwater tank and have it
plumbed for use inside the home which means it can be used all year round," he said.

"By changing our water use habits and fitting our homes and gardens with water-efficient
products we are helping to secure our water for now and for the future.

"In Melbourne, the rebates program has helped slash per capita water consumption by
around 28 per cent compared with water use in the mid 1990s."

The rebate scheme will run until June 30, 2009.

AAP sam/gfr/imc/jt/bwl

KEYWORD: TANKS

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