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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

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