South East Queenslanders are getting a timely reminder that “every drop counts” in a five-week extensive advertising campaign.
The initiative is being rolled-out after the latest Seqwater survey showed 35 per cent of people reported they were unaware of just how much water they used. And even more said they didn’t get enough information on how to save water.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said once again the community had a vital role to play in helping manage the region’s drinking water supply.
“We are reaching out to everyone in the south east to ease back on their water usage with the “every drop counts’ campaign,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Two thirds of our state is in drought and over the past few years we have seen below-average inflows into the 40 dams and reservoirs that make up the SEQ water grid.
“There are simple things we can all do now that don’t impact on our lifestyle but can make a big difference in conserving water.
“For example, checking household plumbing for leaks, not watering in the heat of the day and remembering to put your pool cover on when the pool’s not being used.”
The need for a new push to get people to conserve water was highlighted by a Seqwater survey conducted in July.
It revealed, 35 per cent of 1400 respondents said they are unaware of just how much water is used in their household and 41 per cent said they don’t receive enough information on how to save water.
However, 70 per cent said they are concerned about future water shortages in SEQ and 90 per cent would comply with water restrictions if they had to.
“South-east Queenslanders stepped up during the Millennium Drought and played their part.
“They reduced consumption from 300 litres of water per person per day to as low as 120 litres of water per person per day just by being waterwise.
“With the average water consumption now at 200 litres per day per person, I’m sure south-east Queenslanders are ready to step up and help again.”
The Bureau of Meteorology is currently forecasting a hot, dry summer over 2019/20 with below average rainfall.
Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said with SEQ dam levels below 60 per cent capacity it is time for everyone to do their bit to preserve our drinking water supply.
“After the Millennium Drought people said they wanted to be warned early about the potential for another big dry so that they could respond early.
“That is why we are talking with SEQ now rather than after the wet season.”
Seqwater will continue to monitor the region’s dams and operate the water grid to best manage the region’s water supply.
The “every drop counts” campaign starts on radio, buses and petrol pumps from today, followed on 1 December by ads on SEQ television, Spotify, and YouTube.
Seqwater is running the campaign in partnership with water retailers Queensland Urban Utilities, Unitywater and the Redland, Logan and Gold Coast councils.
The water retailers will supplement the campaign using their own communication and customer channels.
