Giving a helping hand (or tap, or showerhead) to those who house our community

South East Water is encouraging community organisations, who provide invaluable support accommodating members of our community to take advantage of its Community Housing Retrofit Program.

The program was on hold last year, but is now back in full swing. It supports water efficiency in housing run by not-for-profit community organisations, helping them save money in the process.

The program is an exciting collaboration being offered by metropolitan water utilities South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Greater Western Water, and is funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning. Through working closely with our likeminded partners we’re able to achieve better outcomes for the community.

There are two parts to the program:

1.     Water audits at community properties to help identify leaks and inefficient fixtures.

2.     Repairing or replacing fixtures and appliances with more water efficient options.

One dripping tap can waste as much as three buckets of water a day and switching to an upgraded water efficient shower head can save six litres of water a minute.

Since the program began in 2017 it’s helped:

·       Conduct 285 water audits

·       Replace 590 showerheads

·       Replace or repair 379 toilets

·       Repair 65 leaks

·       Repair or replace 162 hot water systems

·       Repair 1,963 leaking taps

Mikala Hehir, South East Water’s General Manager Customer and Community said: “We know that after an incredibly difficult 18 months our community partners need our support more than ever.

“These upgrades and improvements will create lasting changes which will help community organisations to save money and make their funds stretch further, so that it can be used where it’s needed the most. It also helps to equip tenants with water saving behaviours they can take into the future.

“I really encourage any of our local community groups to get in touch and find out more. Taking part in the Community Housing Retrofit Program is a really easy way to save money and water in the long term, by something as simple as upgrading the tap or showerhead at the property,” added Ms Hehir.

To find out more and check eligibility, call us on 9872 2614 or head to www.yvw.com.au/CHRP