WATER WEEK REMINDERS FOR MAITLAND RESIDENTS

Maitland residents are being reminded to play their part in the conservation of water, with Australia currently celebrating National Water Week.

National Water Week (October 21 – 27) is aimed at raising awareness and encouraging the community to start thinking about their personal water use and the implementation of water saving measures.

Manager Development and Environment, David Simm said it is the responsibility of everyone to conserve and protect our local water supply.

‘We all rely on water for washing, drinking and for recreational activities like gardening and swimming,’ he said.

‘To make sure the water supply is of high quality and plentiful for everyone there are a number of measures that we can easily put in place in our homes.

We recommend people install water saving showerheads, take shorter showers, install rainwater tanks for gardening, use timed sprinklers for lawns, use a bucket rather than hose to wash the car, and put washing machines and dishwashers on the eco-friendly setting.’

There are also a number of measures residents can take to protect the quality of the local water supply:

·         Clean up animal droppings and litter to avoid it being washed down the drain and contaminating water ways.

·         Don’t apply fertiliser when rain is forecast.

·         Wash cars on the lawn to filter nutrients and oils from the water before it reaches storm water drains.

·         Sweep grass clippings and leaves off paths rather than allowing them to blow or wash down the storm water drain.

·         Provide off-stream watering for livestock.

·         Never tip chemicals or unused paints into the gutter or drain.