In a time where more than 40 per cent of the world’s population is affected by water scarcity, wasting such a valuable resource could be thought of as plain foolish.
Rous County Council, the region’s bulk water supplier, are reminding businesses and residents that water isn’t just for splashing around but should be used wisely.
With more extreme weather patterns and a fast growing population in the Northern Rivers placing pressure on the region’s future water supplies, Rous County Council’s general ganager, Phillip Rudd said it’s important for people to smarten up with water and change their habits now rather than later.
‘Making the best use of existing water sources before developing new ones is a sensible approach while new and alternative water sources are being investigated,’ he said.
‘The real leaders in our region are the forward thinking and down to earth residents who’ve been sharing their savvy water ways through the 160 Litre Challenge’, he said.
The 160 Litre Challenge is a water saving competition the water authority is currently running in conjunction with local councils to reduce water use to less than 160 litres per person per day.
160 Litre Challenge
‘These water heroes have been showing the rest of the community how to save water in some very simple and innovative ways,’ he said. ‘It’s impressive how clever and resourceful our community can be when it comes to water sustainability.’
Water saving ideas have ranged from simply putting the plug into the kitchen sink and re-using the water from washing fruit and vegetables on the garden, to more innovative water saving ideas like installing irrigation dripper pipes beneath turf that are connected to a rainwater tank for watering the lawn.
Ballina resident Len Keith saves rinse water from his washing machine into the laundry tub and uses it to flush the toilet with a bucket. When showering, he catches the cold water in a bucket before the hot comes through and uses that to also flush the toilet. It’s this type of everyday household behaviour that Rous County Council applauds.
Prizes on offer include a water efficient dishwasher or washing machine, double yearly passes to Wet’n’Wild for the kids and a rainwater tank for schools and community groups. To enter, follow the 160 Litre Challenge on Instagram: @160litrechallenge or details are at 160 Litre Challenge.
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