Waterwise offers extended to South West holiday hotspots

Residents in the towns of Dunsborough and Yallingup can now join 13 other South-West communities in claiming a free irrigation or plumbing service, or swap an inefficient showerhead for a waterwise alternative as part of the 2022-23 Waterwise Towns program.

The annual Water Corporation program supports regional households to use water more efficiently and save money on bills through a range of water-saving initiatives inside and outside the home.

Residents in Dunsborough and Yallingup can now register for a free plumbing service which includes a leak check and minor repairs, as well as upgrades to water-efficient fittings if required.

To help save water in the garden, residents in Dunsborough and Yallingup can also register for a free irrigation service. This includes a sprinkler check and assistance to ensure irrigation systems operate efficiently.

Under a free Showerhead Swap program, residents can swap up to two inefficient showerheads for waterwise alternatives. In 2021-22, the program saw South-West residents save around 2.5 million litres of water by replacing 171 showerheads. 

Other participating South-West towns include Balingup, Bridgetown, Boyup Brook, Donnybrook, Greenbushes, Hester, Kirup, Manjimup, Mullalyup, Nannup, Northcliffe, Pemberton and Quinninup.

Residents in all participating towns will be eligible for a free Showerhead Swap as well as a rebate for the purchase and installation of a rainwater tank. The rebate allows customers to claim up to $1,000 for the purchase of a new tank, or up to $500 to plumb in or replace an existing tank.

In addition, Dunsborough residents will receive comparative water-use letters with waterwise tips and information showing how their consumption stacks up against others.

Since 2013-14, the State-wide Waterwise Towns program has saved an estimated 1.7 billion litres of precious water - equivalent to 756 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Plumbing and irrigation services are limited, with registrations open until 1 May 2023.  Showerhead Swap and rainwater tank rebates are available until 31 May 2023 or while stocks last.  

For more information or to apply, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/waterwiseoffers. 

As stated by Water Minister Dave Kelly:

"The impacts of climate change are being felt in the South-West with winter rainfall in some areas declining by up to 20 per cent since the 1970s.

"Although the region has received some welcome winter rainfall this year, the long-term trend for annual rainfall has only been heading in one direction and climate change is here to stay.

"That is why we're encouraging residents to take advantage of these waterwise offers. All waterwise changes in the home, no matter how small, can make a big collective difference."

As stated by Warren Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:

"Leaks can occur all around the house - from toilets, showers, taps and dishwashers to hot water systems, evaporative air conditioners and garden irrigation.

"By providing incentives for South-West residents to check for leaks in the home and garden, and to switch to more water-efficient appliances, we can help communities save precious water."