Greater Sydney residents will have more assistance to make their homes water efficient as part of a NSW Government package to support the community during on-going drought conditions.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey this week announced a $6 million boost by Sydney Water into the 'WaterFix' program, which helps households save water by fixing leaks and installing water efficient devices.
"Last year rainfall levels in NSW were among the lowest ever recorded over an extended period. In some areas, the state is the driest it has ever been and worse than the millennium drought," Mrs Pavey said.
"The WaterFix program will help people save thousands of litres of water each year, lowering demands on Sydney's water supply and bring down the cost of household water bills.
"The Liberals and Nationals Government is doing everything it can to help individuals and families improve their water efficiency."
Executive Drought Lead for Sydney Water Catherine Port says both residential homes and apartments can benefit from this funding.
"When you book a WaterFix appointment, one of our qualified plumbers will check your home for leaks and opportunities to save water."
"Once the initial audit inspection is complete, they'll tell you about any repair work needed and suggest suitable water efficient devices. If you give us the go ahead, we'll then do the repair work."
"The subsidy will typically save customers around $200 per household.
"A standard, inefficient showerhead uses around 3 times the amount of water that a modern efficient shower head does. Replacing old showerhead's with efficient ones could result in a saving in water bills of around $40 over a year for each person living in the home.
"Similarly, one leaking tap can waste up to 2,000 litres a month. If left unchecked this leaking tap could waste around $50 worth of water over a year.
"The subsidy will typically save customers around $200 per household-If we all do our bit, together we can make a big difference in saving water", Ms Port said.
The funding covers:
The cost of the plumber's call-out fee (usually $60)
Up to three minor indoor tap leak repairs (usually $99)
Subsidised water efficient shower heads (These range from $11 to $22 per showerhead)
To apply: visit sydneywater.com.au/waterfix or call 1800 807 475