Water savings plan ‘doused’

Peter Farago
BARWON Water could stand in the way of an Australian-first plan to drought-proof new suburbs in Geelong’s south, according to a consultant’s report.
Bonacci Water identified potential savings of 75 per cent on mains use and 65 per cent on sewage outflow in the Armstrong Creek growth area in the report to City of Greater Geelong.
The firm proposed options including rainwater tanks and water-efficient appliances for all homes, use of wastewater treated in the suburbs for toilets and irrigation and mandating drought-tolerant gardens.
Bonacci Water prepared the report after talks with City officials, Barwon Water, land developers and proponents of local recycled water projects.
The report found that adopting all the saving and recyling options as well as further cuts to consumption of 25 per cent would make the proposed construction of a Melbourne-Geelong pipeline unnecessary for up to 30 years.
But the report said Barwon Water was “hesitant” about some of the options given the pipeline from Melbourne would deliver “an abundance” of potable supply.
Barwon Water managing director Michael Malouf said the authority had yet to analyse the report.
The authority would cross-check the findings with a similar study from City Hall and Barwon Water, Mr Malouf said.
“Barwon Water will continue to have high-level discussions with the council and State Government on recycling options not only for Armstrong Creek but other areas across the region.”
Council planning portfolio-holder Cr Rod Macdonald said the report was Australia’s most comprehensive water use assessment.