Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Gippsland Portal Local News

Wave of pool queries for water expert

Prospective pool owners have flooded Westernport Water with questions for the past month.

By Susan Webster - 18th December 2007 - Back to News

The water corporation has been handling a fast-rising tide of enquiries, up to three a week, said water conservation officer Colin Cairnduff.

 "There’s been a sharp increase since November," he said.

 "It seems that there’s pent-up demand since last season’s Stage Four restrictions.

"The calls are coming in from both full-time and part-time residents and from a range of customers – from individual householders to resorts and caravan parks – for pools ranging from 16,000 to 100,000 litre-capacity."

Under Stage Two restrictions all pools containing more than 2000 litres need a permit from the local water corporation.

Applying for the permit is free. Anyone applying for a permit has to submit a water conservation plan.

"Applications can’t be considered without an accompanying water conservation plan." Colin said: "I’ve been helping applicants complete their plans which can detail water conservation measures they’ve already undertaken such as installing rainwater tanks, dual-flush toilets, water-efficient showerheads, water-smart appliances and irrigation systems.

"Some people plan for their pool by storing rainwater in tanks beforehand. Their applications are regarded favourably," he added.

Colin said: "Also, at the moment under Stage Two, pool owners have to commit to topping up the pool themselves, either using bought-in or self-stored tank water."

He also offers advice on limiting water loss. "For example, the choice of filter can save up to 8000 litres a year for the average-sized pool," he said. "Sand filters use far more water because they need to be back-washed, unlike cartridge filters.

"Also, I suggest people consider using pool covers, or even overhead sails, to limit evaporation.

"And, of course, I try to encourage the kids to stop dive-bombs and splashing water everywhere!"

Tips for a more water-efficient pool are available at www.savewater.com.au

Pool owners need to check the water before they dive in to buy trucked supplies too.

"People buying in trucked-in water still have to complete a water conservation plan and register the volumes with us," Colin said. "It costs nothing and it’s vital for us to maintain a regional ‘map’ of water supplies."

He explained: "Westernport Water has a responsibility to help monitor the quality and quantity of water in its region. We need to know where the water is sourced from, for example, is it from a dam prone to toxic algal blooms?

"Also, we need to check that it’s been carried by a proper water carter who has used legal water supplies."

Got a pool query? Colin has the in-depth knowledge. Phone him on 5956 4127.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au

• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
  Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
  East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
  Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion.