Save a drop and lower your water usage by 20% this summer!

Did you know one slowly dripping tap can waste over 9,000 litres of water a year? 

Central Highlands Regional Council is challenging all residents to lower their water consumption by 20% over the next six months.  

Launching in Water Week 2021, the council’s Drop20 campaign will promote understanding of the region’s water collection and offer tips for decreased water usage.  

‘Currently, our water consumption is high with the average water use per person at 700 litres per day,’ said Acting General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities Jason Hoolihan. 

‘With the Fairbairn Dam’s capacity falling under 13% and our average use well above the Central Queensland standard of 550 litres per day, this campaign will kick start our mission to improve water conservation habits across the region.’ 

As happens most summers, water restriction increases have commenced, with Capella sitting at level 2 as of 20 September 2021 and Emerald, Blackwater and Bluff set to increase to level 1 on Monday 25 October 2021. All other towns remain on level 0 for now. 

‘It is no secret the Central Highlands is a drought-prone area, and even when rain does come, there is no certainty over when we will receive more,’ said Mayor Kerry Hayes. 

‘Water restrictions help when supply is scarce but with our dry environment and inconsistent wet weather, we should all be striving to conserve water all year round, no matter what the restrictions are, or the rain gauge says. 

‘Water is our most precious resource and we all have a responsibility to protect it.’ 

Make your pledge to drop 20% by signing up as a Central Highlands Water Warrior.  

Find out more about our Drop20 campaign and water restrictions on council’s website and follow us on Facebook for regular water-saving tips.