Central Australia Waterwise
Central Australia Waterwise offers a range of programs that support water efficiency in the southern region. Initiatives include the Central Australia Waterwise Rebate Scheme; NT Waterwise Schools; waterwise gardening tips and a range of fact sheets. 
To preserve our water supply we need to make changes to our lifestyle. Explore these web pages to find out ways that you and your household can become more Waterwise.
Alice Water Smart is a two year project that will help Alice Springs residents reduce water use by 1600 million litres per year.
The Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport supports the project and is proud to be a consortium member.
For more information on how you can take advantage of the opportunity to reduce your water use visit www.alicewatersmart.com.au
Alice Water Smart is a $15 million project jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Water for the Future initiative through the National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns program and the Alice Water Smart Consortium.
WHY SAVE WATER?
Alice Springs residents are among the highest water users anywhere in Australia. The graph below shows average household water use. Every capital city has reduced its water consumption in the last five years by at least 20%. Brisbane has reduced its water use by over 65%.
Household water use in Alice Springs and Darwin has actually increased in the same time!
An average Alice Springs household uses 535,000 litres of water per year. That’s around 1,500 litres of water per household each day!
We live in a hot, arid climate and therefore we can expect to use more water than other regions in Australia. However, a lot of our water use is unnecessary and can be reduced.
Saving water can be easy.
How do I save money by saving water?
Installing and using water saving products reduces the amount of water used around the home. Cutting down on hot water heated by electric or gas systems also reduces the amount of energy required to supply this service. Using less water AND energy means less cost to you at bill time.
Did you know?
- A well managed lawn should only need watering once or twice per week in summer.
- Installing a new 4.5/3 L dual flush toilet could save you 35,000 litres of water a year - TOILET PRODUCT AND PLUMBING REBATES AVAILABLE.
- Fitting a 3-star water efficient showerhead will save around 60 litres on every 5 minute shower - SHOWERHEAD REBATE AVAILABLE.
- A 4-star washing machine can save 21 000 litres of water a year compared to older machines - WASHING MACHINE REBATE AVAILABLE.
- An average swimming pool can lose up to 60 000 litres of water a year through evaporation; a pool cover can reduce water lost by up to 90%. POOL COVER REBATE AVAILABLE.
NT Waterwise Activities
In May and June of 2011 Alice Springs enjoyed the fabulous Our Water exhibition from Questacon. Over 1000 visitors and 1500 locals including classes from 12 Alice Springs schools enjoyed the exhibit which showcased water conservation and all other educational aspects about water.
National Water Week 2011
National Water Week runs from 16 - 22 October 2011. This years theme, ‘Healthy Catchments, Healthy Communities’, seeks to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our catchments and preserving water quality.
National Water Week is a great opportunity to remind us how vital water is and why we need to be more efficient with our usage. You can do your part to reduce water consumption by making simple changes such as taking shorter showers, watering your garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon and fixing any water leaks around the home.
Come and visit our stall at the Alice Plaza from 11:30am till 2:00pm daily, from 17 October – 21 October 2011 to learn more about water conservation.