SEQ asked to be more water wise this Spring

3 Sep 2019

South East Queenslanders are being asked to look at ways they can be more water wise this Spring.

Seqwater Chief Executive Officer Neil Brennan said South East Queensland (SEQ) was not in a drinking water drought but Water Grid dam levels had continued to decline over Autumn and Winter.

Water Grid combined dam levels are now at 65.5% capacity, the lowest levels since the Millennium Drought.

Wivenhoe Dam, the region's largest and most important drinking water source, is at 53% capacity, its lowest in more than a decade.

Mr Brennan said the average water consumption across SEQ has returned to normal Autumn/Winter consumption levels of between 160-170 litres per person, per day.

"With the warmer weather ahead, the challenge is to continue to be water wise," he said.

"Moving into Spring, there is typically increased outdoor watering, so it's an ideal time for the community to consider its water use."

The Bureau of Meteorology's seasonal outlook for September to November 2019 indicates a drier than average Spring for most of mainland Australia, noting South East Queensland has a 50% chance of above average rainfall.

Seqwater is working in partnership with the region's water service providers Queensland Urban Utilities, Unitywater and the water businesses of Logan, Redland City and City of Gold Coast to best manage the region's water supplies.

Queensland Urban Utilities CEO Louise Dudley said the community had retained many of its water saving habits since the end of the Millennium Drought.

"However, with the dam levels continuing to fall, there are some simple things we can all do around our homes and gardens that can make a big difference," she said.

"If you're gardening this Spring, try to avoid watering during the heat of the day. It's also a good idea to mulch your garden to help retain moisture."

More tips are available from your water service provider and include:

fixing leaking taps and toilets as soon as possible
taking shorter showers
only doing full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine and
remembering to put your pool cover on when it's not in use.

Seqwater will continue to closely monitor weather forecasts, catchment conditions and dam levels, and operate the SEQ Water Grid as required to best manage the region's water supply.

The bulk water authority will also be refreshing its water wise education campaign launched in March this year to further encourage the community to look at ways they can reduce their water use.

The campaign, run in partnership with the water service providers, will include water wise hints for around the house and tin the garden on social media including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn as well as on Seqwater's website at seqwater.com.au/waterwise