Water efficiency for businesses in the Northern Rivers, NSW
The Sustainable Water Partner Program focuses on engaging businesses across the Northern Rivers to better understand their water consumption and act to undertake appropriate water efficiency projects. The program is delivered by Rous County Council, across their bulk water supply footprint, in partnership with Byron Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Lismore City Council and Richmond Valley Council.
The Sustainable Water Partner Program has been running since 2018 under Rous’s Regional Demand Management Plan. The current program has evolved from various iterations of business support initiatives, delivered by Rous since the late 1990’s. Strengthening business partnerships to implement water efficiency projects is and continues to be a central focus.
In recent years, the program has prioritised working with top-order operations as well as schools, education institutes, holiday parks, public pools and large hospitality venues. Since 2018 over 30 water efficiency plans have been developed for business with a potential annual water saving of over 66 million litres identified.
The program incorporates three phases:
1) Improving monitoring, leak detection and visibility of water consumption through planning and the preparation of a site-specific water efficiency plan. This plan identifies water efficiency opportunities and projects, based on specialist advice.
2) Implementing water efficiency projects, where the business is financially supported to undertake projects with the help of rebates.
3) Recognising and celebrating the business as a Sustainable Water Partner.
Examples of recent projects include:
Cape Bryon Power is an energy plant that produces electricity predominately from sugar cane milling waste, along with wood residues and energy crops. The incorporation of smart metering technology enables the early detection of leaks and the optimisation of town water across their operations.
Discovery Parks Ballina is a holiday and caravan park able to accommodate over 500 people. The park incorporated smart metering technology and upgraded tap fixtures, reducing water use by a potential 69%, as well as saving them over $80,000 per year in water charges.
Summit Sports and Fitness Centre
Summit Sports and Fitness and Centre is a family-owned fitness and indoor pool centre. With the installation of water tanks and a chlorinator, over 470,000 litres of water is potentially saved per year.
Full details about the Sustainable Water Partner Program can be viewed at rous.nsw.gov.au/sustainable-water-partner-program