Water Demand Management Project (WDMP)
EcoMatters is currently delivering a water demand management project on behalf of Watercare Services Ltd.
Since July 2011, we have been attending community events and shows, asking Auckland residents to complete a survey on their summer outdoor water use. The results of this survey will allow Watercare to plan future projects to help reduce the pressure on the region's water demands at the peak period during summer.
We all use water outside, whether it's to water the vegetable garden, clean the car or wash the dog, but there are a number of simple ways that we can all reduce the amount of water we use outside:
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Using a watering can or fitting a simple trigger attachment to a hosepipe means you only use the water you need.
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Watering during the cooler parts of the day avoids evaporation and helps plants to get the maximium benefit from the watering.
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Sweeping down paved areas rather than using water to clean them.
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Mulching gardens reduces evaporation and retains moisture in the soil, reducing the amount of watering required.
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Using a bucket to wash the car rather than a hosepipe.
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Installing a rainbarrel to collect water for the garden.
This project is also promoting the Water Efficency Labelling Scheme (WELS), introduced earlier this year by the Ministry for the Environment. This scheme, which is currently voluntary in New Zealand, is based on a similar scheme running in Australia, and follows the same principles as the more widely known energy star rating scheme. All new appliances that use water (washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, showers, taps etc) will have a WELS star rating - the more stars, the more water efficient the appliance or fitting is.
For more information about this project please contact:
Olivia Tukuogo
(09) 826 0563
