Using our water wisely

Published on 19 October 2020

Cr Kirkland and Jason Plumb at the top of the barrage.jpg

Rockhampton Regional Council and Fitzroy River Water are calling on residents to get on board with National Water Week, which this year is all about reimagining our water future.

Rockhampton Regional Council Water and Environment spokesperson, Councillor Donna Kirkland, said the Reimagining our Water Future theme was a vital one.

“Access to clean water is hugely important to our daily lives, and it’s down to all of us to protect our water environments and resources, and use water wisely,” said Councillor Kirkland.

“We all need to think about how we use water now and what changes we can make to ensure there’s enough water for everyone in the future.

“We are incredibly lucky in the Rockhampton Region to have the Fitzroy River Barrage. It provides a level of water security that lots of other places in Australia don’t have.

“However that doesn’t mean we can take it for granted! It was full in February, and now it’s down to 87%. In Rockhampton we actually use 350 litres of water per person, per day, which is the highest in the state.

“Mount Morgan residents – who are doing a brilliant job under the water restrictions as the dam level is low up there – are using just under 300 litres of water per person, per day.

“As we get into the warmer months about 75% of all our water usage is actually outside, so think carefully about how you water your garden and which plants you use.

“We only have what’s in the barrage, so whenever you’re taking a shower, washing dishes, or washing your clothes remember that each drop is precious.

Cr Kirkland said Rockhampton Regional Council will be sharing daily tips on social media this week.

“Every day this week we will post a graphic on our Facebook page sharing a water wise tip.

“For example we use more water in our bathrooms than anywhere else inside the house, with showers accounting for nearly a quarter of household water use. Could you knock two minutes off your shower time? You could save around 30 litres of water per shower if you do!

“As it gets hotter we will all want plenty of glasses of cold, refreshing water. It makes such a difference to keep a jug of cold water in the fridge – running the tap until it’s cool can waste up to 15 litres a minute!

“We all know how important and valuable water is – let’s look after it together.”

Every third week of October, the Australian Water Association organises National Water Week and makes a splash across Australia, inspiring individuals, communities and organisations to build awareness around the value of water.

The Australian Water Association are running a Water science competition for high-schoolers, and Short Film Competition for both primary and high school students. Find out more on their website.

Get more water wise tips here.