The 2008 Water Report

THE 2008 WATER REPORT

Securing our water, together. About the Queensland Water Commission The Queensland Government established the Queensland Water Commission as an independent statutory authority in June 2006 under chapter 2A of the Water Act 2000 (the Act).

Vision In fulfilling its Charter under the Act, the Commission’s vision is for: Safe, secure and sustainable water for regional prosperity, lifestyles and healthy ecosystems.

Mission To ensure safe, secure and sustainable water supplies for South East Queensland by developing long-term water supply strategies, managing water demand, providing advice to government and reforming the water industry. Contact details

Mail: Queensland Water Commission PO Box 15087 CITY EAST QLD 4002 Email: [email protected] Website: www.qwc.qld.gov.au Tel: 1300 789 906

contents

FOREWORD...... 1 1. Executive summary...... 2 2. Background...... 4 3. Residential water use...... 7 3.1 Residential Water Use and Savings in SEQ...... 7 3.2 Residential Excessive Water Users Compliance Program...... 8 4. nOn-residential water use...... 13 4.1. Background...... 13 4.2. Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs)...... 16 4.2.1. WEMP submission compliance...... 16 4.2.2. Major Water Users by sector...... 17 4.2.3. WEMP evaluation...... 18 4.2.5 Non-compliance...... 23 4.2.6. Major Water Users savings...... 24 4.3.1. Retrofit Audit and Inspection Program...... 27 4.4. Active Playing Surface Guidelines...... 30 4.5. Mobile Commercial Operator Training and Registration Program...... 31 5. Conclusion...... 33 Glossary...... 34 Measurement Units...... 34 Definitions ...... 34

Tables Table 1: Non-residential consumption bands (2004/05 to 2008)...... 14 Table 2: Number of WEMPs submitted by sector, end 2008...... 15 Table 3: Major Water Users consumption and savings (2004/05 and 2008)...... 24

Figures Figure 1: Residential water consumption 2005-2008...... 2 Figure 2: SEQ water storages...... 4 Figure 3: Residential and non-residential water use in SEQ...... 4 Figure 4: SEQ combined dam levels (%) and restrictions (May 2005 - December 2008)...... 5 Figure 5: Monthly residential water consumption for central SEQ (January 2005 -December 2008) ...... 7 Figure 6: Residential water consumption by consumption band...... 8 Figure 7: SEQ residential water consumption (2008)...... 8 Figure 8: <800L/day residential users reasons for exemption...... 9 Figure 9: Number of leaks identified and fixed in the residential program (2008)...... 9 Figure 10: Non-residential water consumption per volume band, 2008...... 13 Figure 11: Non-residential water consumption (2004/05 to 2008, Q4)...... 14 Figure 12: Non-residential water savings by volume band, 2004/05 to 2008...... 14

Figure 13: Total non-residential savings by sector (2004/05 to 2008, Q4) ...... 15 Figure 14: Status of processed WEMPs for all SEQ councils (cumulative), 2008...... 16 Figure 15a: Submitted WEMPs (%) by sector (at 31 December 2008)...... 17 Figure 15b: Consumption by WEMP customers by sector (October-December 2008 quarter)...... 17 Figure 16: Status of submitted WEMPs by councils (cumulative), 2008 ...... 18 Figure 17: Reasons for accounts being designated as ‘No WEMP required’...... 18 Figure 19: WEMP customers at ‘evaluation and consultation’ status (end 2008)...... 19 Figure 18: Percentage of WEMPs at ‘evaluation and consultation’ status for 9 months or more (at 31 December 2008)...... 19 Figure 21: Percentage of inspections carried out on approved WEMPs by sector at end 2008...... 20 Figure 20: Percentage of approved WEMPs which have been inspected at end 2008...... 20 Figure 22: Approved WEMPs inspection results, 2008...... 21 Figure 24: Percentage of total Major Water Users issued with a Notice to Comply at end 2008...23 Figure 23: Number of Notices to comply (WEMPs) at end 2008...... 23 Figure 25: Major Water User consumption (October 2007 to December 2008)...... 24 Figure 26: Major Water User average consumption (2008)...... 25 Figure 27: Decrease (%) in Major Water User consumption (benchmark consumption to October-December 2008 Quarter)...... 25 Figure 28: Percentage of retrofit customers inspected at end 2008...... 27 Figure 29: Retrofit customers inspection results (2008)...... 28 Figure 30: Retrofit customer savings by sector, 2004/05 to 2008 (whole year average)...... 29 Figure 31: APS registrations by field type at end 2008...... 30 Figure 32: Status of Identified APS customers at end 2008...... 30 Figure 33: Snapshot of registered water efficient operators and trained staff, at end 2008...... 31

The Queensland Water Commission (QWC) reports to the Minister responsible for water supply and demand management, as outlined within the Water Act 2000.

Information forming the basis of The 2008 Water Report has been sourced from Seqwater (dam levels and storages) and SEQ Councils (including billing data and Water Efficiency Management Plan compliance and inspection data).

SEQ Councils provide compliance data on the Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) and Retrofit Programs on a monthly and quarterly basis to the QWC, and water consumption data on a quarterly basis. This Report is a cumulative summary of those reports for the 2008 year and also provides an evaluation and analysis of the outcomes of demand management measures implemented by the QWC for the community (residential) and business sector (non-residential) to address short- term and long-term water security in South East Queensland (SEQ).

1. Executive summary

In 2008, SEQ responded remarkably to the Queensland Water Commission’s demand management programs, and maintained the 40% decrease in water consumption achieved since 2004/05.

Most reticulated water in SEQ (80%) is used by the community (residential) and business (non-residential) sectors.

In 2008, during the worst drought in the region’s history, the combined levels of SEQ’s major dams fell to as low as 16.5%. The Queensland Government’s drought response, which began in 2005, included increasing supply sources through the building of dams, a desalination plant and purified recycled water plants. The response also reduced water usage through the QWC’s demand management program which focused on both the residential and non-residential sectors.

The residential sector accounts for 71% of all reticulated water use in SEQ. In 2008, the QWC residential demand management programs included the continuation of Level 6 (Extreme) Restrictions and the Target 140 and Target 170 communication campaigns designed to maintain the voluntary indoor water savings that had been achieved in 2007. The Residential Excessive Water Users Compliance Program reduced the number of households using more than 800 litres a day, by 43%. More than 9% of these households had leaks that were rectified.

The severity of the drought lessened slightly in 2008. In July 2008, rain increased SEQ’s main dam levels to 40% and restrictions were eased to High Level Restrictions (Target 170). Despite this, the community maintained its water saving behaviour. Residential consumption averaged 129 litres per person per day (L/p/d) throughout 2008 and averaged 135L/ p/d between August and December following the implementation of Target 170. In 2008, a total of 38.7 billion litres was saved by the residential community compared to 2006 usage.

350

300 ) /d /p (L 2008 n 250 io pt um

ns 200 Co l ia

nt 150 de si n Re io e e 100 l ct ag ri er Av 1 2 3 4 5 6

50 Rest e- Pr Level Level Level Level Level Level High Leve

0 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 r- r- r- r- r- r- r- r- t- t- t- t- y- y- y- y- v- v- v- v- l- l- l- l- c- c- c- c- g- g- g- g- p- p- p- p- b- b- b- b- n- n- n- n- n- n- n- n- Ju Ju Ju Ju Ja Ju Ja Ju Ja Ju Ja Ju Oc Oc Oc Oc Fe Ap Se Fe Ap Se Fe Ap Se Fe Ap Se Ma Au De Ma Au De Ma Au De Ma Au De No No No No Ma Ma Ma Ma

Figure 1: Residential water consumption 2005-2008

The non-residential sector accounts for 29% of reticulated water consumption in SEQ. Within this sector, 1,194 Major Water Users (using over 10 megalitres annually [ML/a]) use 68% of non-residential water and a further 3,500 Moderate Water Users (between 1-10ML/a) use 21%.

In the Major Water User category, the most water is used by the Other Industrial (28%), Heavy Industrial/Large Manufacturing (21%) and Commercial sectors (15%). The QWC ensured that Major Water Users submitted and complied with Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs). By December 2008, 66% of WEMPS submitted to Councils had been approved, 21% were under evaluation and 13% were no longer identified as needing a WEMP, largely because they had already reduced their consumption. Councils are responsible for monitoring WEMP compliance. During 2008 they inspected 30% of all Major Water Users, of which 76% were compliant on first inspection, 18% were compliant after reinspection, and 6% were yet to comply.

During 2008, Moderate Water Users were required to continue retrofitting their premises with water efficient devices including showerheads, taps and urinals. Councils met their target of inspecting 20% of all businesses by the end of 2008, 75% were compliant on first inspection, a further 17% were compliant after reinspection and a further 8% were yet to comply. These businesses will be monitored to ensure they meet compliance requirements.

The QWC has also increased the water use efficiency of Mobile Commercial Operators (vehicle, pet and house washers). By the end of the year, 1,130 of these operators were registered, trained in efficient water use, and operating according to the QWC guidelines.

Active playing surfaces (sports fields) were also targeted to increase water use efficiency. Over 620 active playing surfaces in SEQ are registered and using water according to the QWC’s Active Playing Surfaces (APS) guidelines.

The outcome of these programs has been a saving of 73.5ML/day across the non-residential sector since 2004/05. More than three quarters of the savings have been achieved by Major Water Users (78%). The Public sector has halved water usage.

The results of the demand management program show that a targeted restrictions and compliance program, close engagement with industry, and behavioural change programs in the residential community effectively maintained water savings across SEQ throughout 2008, despite an easing of residential restrictions.

The QWC is maintaining with these programs in 2009 to ensure that SEQ maintains its performance as one of the most water efficient regions in the world and continues to move towards best practice water efficiency.

2. Background

Water supplies in SEQ have been under significant strain since the start of the Millennium Drought in 1999/2000. In the past decade, pressure on water supplies has been increased by climate variability and climate change, as well as significant economic and population growth.

Water storage and capacity in SEQ

During the current drought, the QWC uses the combined dam level of SEQ’s three major dams – Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine – to assess the region’s water security, as together these dams represent almost 80% of SEQ’s stored water capacity (see Figure 2 below). The largest single storage is the Wivenhoe Dam, with a capacity of 1,165,240ML - 52.9% of the region’s water storage capacity. It has a significant impact on the total water level of SEQ’s dam system.

2.77% Baroon Pocket Dam 0.36% Bromelton Weir 52.87% Wivenhoe Dam 0.05% Cedar Grove Weir 6.17% Cooloolabin Dam 0.20% Enoggera Dam 7.31% Hinze Dam

0.08% Gold Creek Dam 0.65% Lake Kurwongbah 1.18% Lake Manchester 1.13% Leslie Harrison Dam 0.03% Poona Dam 17.24% Somerset Dam 0.21% Wappa Dam 9.75% North Pine Dam

Figure 2: SEQ water storages Water use in SEQ

In 2007/08 the non-residential and residential sectors together used 80% of Residential 71% available water supplies in SEQ. As shown in Figure 3, households use 71% of water in SEQ and businesses use 29%. As a result, QWC demand management programs focus on these sectors. The power generation Non-Residential 29% industry now uses recycled water, saving 17,074ML/a of stored water supplies.

Figure 3: Residential and non-residential water use in SEQ

Water management challenges in SEQ

In the face of the worst drought in the region’s history (the Millennium Drought) and reduced rainfalls, in August 2007 the combined levels of Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dams dropped to 16.7% of storage capacity.

SEQ is also Australia’s fastest growing region, with the population forecast to increase from 2.3 million in 2006 to more than 3.9 million by 20261 and approximately 5.2 million by 20562.

The Queensland Government and the QWC took a new approach to water supply planning and management. Incorporating a range of innovative infrastructure projects and extensive institutional reforms, a cornerstone of the response has been the award-winning demand management program, which includes: • residential water restrictions • non-residential initiatives including Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) and Retrofit programs, Active Playing Surface Guidelines and Mobile Commercial Dam levels reached 17% Operator Training and Registration Program • communication and education campaigns.

Since the QWC assumed responsibility for water restrictions (formerly managed by SEQ Councils), the focus of restrictions has shifted from reducing outdoor water use to improving business water use management practices and creating permanent behavioural change in residential water users.

At the start of 2008, Level 6 Extreme Restrictions were in place and combined major water storages (Wivenhoe, Somerset and North Pine dams) were at 20% of capacity. By the end of 2008, combined dam levels rose to 46% of capacity.

Figure 4 shows combined dam levels from 2005 to the end of 2008 in relation to SEQ water restrictions.

100%

90%

80% 2008 % 70%

60%

50%

40%

SEQ combined dam level 30% 1 20% 2 3 4 5

10% Level Level Level Level Level High Level 6 (Extreme)

0% 05 06 07 08 05 06 07 08 06 07 08 06 07 08 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 05 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 05 05 06 06 07 07 08 08 05 06 07 08 06 07 08 l- l- l- l- r- r- r- r- r- r- v- v- v- v- c- c- c- c- n- n- n- g- g- g- g- p- b- p- b- p- b- p- y- y- y- y- n- n- n- n- Ju Ju Ju Ju Ja Ja Ja Ju Ju Ju Ju Oct- Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Ap Oct- Se Fe Se Fe Se Fe Se Au No De Ma Au No De Ma Au No De Ma Au No De Ma Ma Ma Ma SEQ restrictions (May 2005 to June 2008) Figure 4: SEQ combined dam levels (%) and restrictions (May 2005 - December 2008)

1 Planning, Information and Forecasting Unit, Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation, October 2007. 2 Extrapolated by QWC from 2051 data provided by Population Information and Forecasting Unit and from Queensland Government Populations Projections to 2051: Queensland and Statistical Divisions, 2nd edition, 2006.

3. RESIDENTIAL WATER USE

10 3. Residential water use

3.1 Residential Water Use and Savings in SEQ

In 2008, the QWC’s residential demand management programs remained critical to the region’s water security, not just as a short-term response to the Millennium Drought, but as a means of safeguarding SEQ’s secure water future in the face of climate change and rapid population growth. 38.7 With residential consumption accounting for 71% of reticulated water use in SEQ in 2008, billion the QWC successfully maintained the residential sector savings achieved in 2007 by: • maintaining water restrictions moving from Level 6 (Extreme) to High Level Restrictions to reflect improved dam levels (40%) litres • continuing community education through the Target 170 communications campaign were saved by as part of High Level Restrictions residents in 2008. • continuing to reduce the number of households using more than 800L/p/d through the Residential Excessive Water Users Compliance Program.

The SEQ water supply balance changed in 2008 as the severity of the drought eased following good winter rainfall. As combined dam levels rose to 40%, the Extreme Level Restrictions introduced in November 2007 were replaced with High Level Restrictions in July 2008. Under Extreme Level Restrictions residents were challenged with meeting “Target 140” by using less than 140 L/p/d, while under High Level Restrictions this target was amended to 170 L/p/d.

Figure 5 illustrates a reduction in residential water consumption from 2005, when Level 1 restrictions were first introduced. The downward trend in residential water consumption was sharpest when Level 5 restrictions were introduced in April 2007 and Extreme (Level 6) restrictions were introduced in November 2007.

350

300 ) /d /p (L 2008 n 250 io pt um

ns 200 Co l ia

nt 150 de si n Re io e e 100 l ct ag ri er Av 1 2 3 4 5 6

50 Rest e- Pr Level Level Level Level Level Level High Leve

Figure 5: Monthly residential water consumption for central SEQ (January 2005 - December 2008)

Despite the slightly more relaxed restrictions and target, residential consumption averaged 129 (L/p/d) throughout 2008, dropping as low as 118 L/p/d in January 2008. Consumption averaged 135 L/p/d between August and December 2008 following the move from Extreme to High Level restrictions. A total of 38.7 billion litres was saved by the residential community in 2008 compared to 2006 usage. The maintenance of water savings in the residential sector in 2008 demonstrates that the QWC’s demand management strategies have embedded water efficiency into the SEQ way of life.

11 3.2 Residential�� Excessive�� Water Users Compliance Program Households which use more than 800 L/day are identified as potential excessive water 93.2% users. Since the introduction of water restrictions, the proportion of high water use households has decreased significantly across SEQ (see Figure 6). of SEQ households

In 2004/05, the percentage of households using more than 800L/day was 37% for the use less than 800 eight SEQ Councils under restrictions, however by the end of June 2007, this figure had litres per day. been reduced to just 6.8% and has remained constant in 2008.

50 d) L/ 2004/05 (M 40 n 2008Q4 io pt 30 um ns

Co 20 Total 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 600 600 000 1000 110 120 130 1400 150 1 170 180 1900 2000 210 220 230 240 250 2 270 280 290 3 310 3200 330 340 Residential Account Consumption Bands (L/d)

Figure 6: Residential water consumption by consumption band

In 2008, households that used between 800 and 2,000 litres of water per day made up 6.4% of residential water users, but consumed 15.9% of the total water 100% 94.1% used (see Figure 7). Although just 0.4% 90%

of households used more than 2,000L/ 80% 78.5% day, this category was responsible for 70% 5.6% of the total residential water use. 60% To address this, in 2008 the QWC’s 50% Residential Excessive Water Users 40% Compliance Program (REWUCP) 30% required excessive water use 20% 6.4% 15.9% households to account for their water 10% 0.4% Accounts consumption and provide reasons for 0% 5.6%

excessive use. Examples of satisfactory <800 L/d Volumes explanations were large or dual family 800 - 2000 L/d households, or a medical condition that >2000 L/d justified high water use. Figure 7: SEQ residential water consumption (2008)

12 Of the households involved in the REWUCP since its Dropped below inception, 50% of excessive water users were found to have allowable limit a reason for their water use or were taking steps to reduce 34% Health Issues consumption (see Figure 8). Of that 50%: 5% • 47% had large families or a dual family occupancy Building Work/Construction • 34% promptly reduced their water use and were no 3% longer high water users Change of Residence 1% • 9% of households identified a leak that was subsequently Home Business fixed 1% • 5% had a health-related reason for high water use Large Families Leaks 47% 9% • 3% had undertaken building or construction work • 1% were operating a business from their home that required water use Figure 8: <800L/day residential users reasons for exemption • 1% of premises had a change of occupant that meant water use was no longer high.

As demonstrated by Figure 9, 9% of households identified a 900 814 leak after they were provided with advice and information 800 under the REWUCP, which resulted in 1,149 leaks 700 being fixed in 2008. This simple way of reducing water 600 use demonstrates the importance of identifying and 500 investigating excessive water users under the REWUCP. 400 281 300 The remaining 50% of households with excessive water use 200 will continue to be provided with information on how to 100 54 reduce consumption and they will be given new deadlines 0 to comply. Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Average daily water consumption in the residential Figure 9: Number of leaks identified and fixed in the sector fell by 15.9L/p/d between 2007 and 2008. This is residential program (2008) a reflection of the community’s commitment to water saving, and of SEQ Councils facilitating the identification of major inefficiencies, such as leaks, through application of the REWUCP.

Education of SEQ households will continue in 2009 through the continued development of tools, such as a Water Efficiency Calculator, to assist residents in identifying efficiencies and sources of water savings.

13 Case Study - Residential Excessive Water Users

Moreton Bay Regional Council

Moreton Bay Regional Council commenced the Residential Excessive Water Users Compliance Program (REWUCP) in November 2007. Since that time, over 8,000 customers have received a first notice. Half of these customers had a reason for their water use, for example a water leak (almost half identified a leak), large family or a medical condition.

Many of the customers with water leaks were unaware Many customers of the problem prior to the receipt of the letter under with leaks were this program. Consequently, a significant volume of water unaware of the was saved as a result of attending to water leaks.

problem. Even those customers who were exempt reduced their consumption due to increased awareness of their water use and information provided through this program.

The majority of customers who did not submit an exemption/exclusion request were compliant by the next round of the program – they were made aware of their excessive consumption. Being provided with practical tips and information prompted them to reduce water use..

The program has also been successful in encouraging rental property owners to install water efficient taps and showers. In many instances, following this installation and some educational advice, water consumption at tenanted properties fell below the allowable limit.

This program has helped the Moreton Bay Regional Council reduce water demand, raise customer awareness of consumption and educate high water users to change their water usage behaviours. Residents were provided with water saving tips

14 15 4. NON-RESIDENTIAL WATER USE

16 4. Non-residential water use

4.1 Background

In 2008, non-residential demand management focused on the following programs: • Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs).The WEMP Program consists primarily of Major Water Users (using more than 10ML/a) – in 2008 these 1,094 A 35% businesses consumed almost 68% of all water used by the non-residential sector, as shown in Figure 10. The WEMP Program also includes those operating a cooling decrease in tower, turf farm, public pool or nursery. The WEMP Program requires these businesses to develop a WEMP to achieve a 25% water saving or reach best practice water use non-residential within a stipulated period. The evaluation, approval and inspection of WEMPs is administered by SEQ Councils. consumption was • Retrofit Program.Moderate Water User businesses (using less than 10ML/a, but achieved in 2008. more than 1ML/a) were required to install water-efficient devices in their kitchen, laundry and ablution facilities. In 2008, these businesses consumed 21% of all water used by the non-residential sector (see Figure 11). • Active Playing Surface (APS) Guidelines. This Program works with APS managers using town water to ensure water efficiency while maintaining surfaces in a 0+ ML/a safe and playable condition. 58.8% • Mobile Commercial Operator Training and Registration Program. The Program works with Mobile Commercial Operators to ensure operation in a 10-0 ML/a water efficient manner. 9.1%

The primary focus is on Major and Moderate Water Users – together these categories make up almost 90% of non- 1-10 ML/a residential water consumption in SEQ, and have accounted 1.0% <1 ML/a for 97% of non-residential water savings since 2004/05. 11.1%

Figure 10: Non-residential water consumption per volume band, 2008

17 In 2008, the non-residential sector used 35% less water compared to 2004/05 (see Figure 11), equating to a saving of 73.5ML/d (see Table 1). Between 2007 and 2008, daily savings equalled 9.9ML. These savings have been achieved despite the total number of businesses in the non-residential sector increasing by over 6% from 2004/05 (37,490) to 2008 (40,007).

50 <1 ML/year 1-10 ML/year 10+ ML/year

00 y)

da 150

L/ 151 (M n

io 100 109 107 97 10 pt 9 93 91 89 um ns 50 Co 43 34 3 31 30 8 9 9 30 17 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 16 0 004/05 007Q1 007Q 007Q3 007Q4 008Q1 008Q 008Q3 008Q4

Figure 11: Non-residential water consumption (2004/05 to 2008, Q4)

Table 1: Non-residential consumption bands (2004/05 to 2008)

Consumption band <1 ML/a 1 to 10 ML/a >10ML/a Total 2004/05 17.3 ML/d 43.3 ML/d 151.0 ML/d 211.6 ML/d 2008 15.3 ML/d 29.0 ML/d 93.7 ML/d 138.1 ML/d Savings 2.0 ML/d 14.3 ML/d 57.3 ML/d 73.5 ML/d % Savings 3% 19% 78% 34.7%

Of the 73.5ML/d savings most (78%) was achieved by Major > 10 ML/a Water Users, with 19% being saved by Moderate Water 57.3 ML/d Users (see Figure 12). 78%

<1 ML/a 1 to 10 ML/a 2.0 ML/d 14.2 ML/d 3% 19%

Figure 12: Non-residential water savings by volume band, 2004/05 to 2008

18 Businesses are classified into various sectors, as shown with examples of customer type in Table 2.

Table 2: Number of WEMPs submitted by sector, end 2008

Sector Types of businesses Number of WEMPs Commercial Shopping centres, service stations, restaurants, clubs 254 Heavy industrial/Large Concrete plants, paper mills, oil refineries 33 manufacturing Irrigation Non-rural irrigation such as nurseries, parks & gardens 33 Public sector Hospitals, educational facilities, racecourses, showgrounds 170 Rural Crops, grazing, breeding, forestry 20 Tourism Hotels, motels, caravan parks 105 Other Those customers for which a land use code is not clearly defined 264 Other industrial Light industry, warehouses, transport terminals 215 Total 1094

As illustrated in Figure 13, aside from the Irrigation sector, (which was curtailed through temporary banning of outdoor watering), the most dramatic reductions were achieved by the Public sector (approximately 50%), followed by the Commercial, Industrial and Tourism sectors (from 30-34%).

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

10%

0% l l r l ia ring on ra m rc ia ti to is rial tr tu ec Ru ur st us ac ga S du nd uf rri ic To mme I bl In Co I an r vy M Pu he ea ge Ot H ar / L

Figure 13: Total non-residential savings by sector (2004/05 to 2008, Q4)

19 4.2. Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs)

The need for WEMPs was first identified during Level 4 Restrictions, which commenced in November 2006. With the introduction of Level 5 Restrictions in April 2007, the QWC used WEMPs to assess water efficiency, identify water saving measures and create plans 57.3ML to assist business implementation. is saved daily by 4.2.1. WEMP submission compliance Major Water Use The WEMP Program is primarily made up of businesses using more than 10ML/a (Major WEMP customers. Water Users) but also includes those operating a cooling tower, turf farm, public pool or nursery. WEMP customers are required to submit a WEMP to their Council for approval, and to operate in accordance with these WEMPs, even if they have not yet been approved.

The deadline for submission of WEMPs was 30 September 2007. Compliance with WEMP submission requirements has been excellent. Figure 14 shows that the vast majority of businesses (94%) submitted a WEMP by the end of the first quarter of 2008.

1200

1000 223

s 362 800 146 MP 480 WE

91 600 600 of

er 40

mb 400 2 725

Nu 587 461 200 298 Approved Identified as No WEMP Required Evaluation & Consultation 0 Mar-08 Apr-08 May-08 Jun-08 Jul-08 Aug-08 Sep-08 Oct-08 Nov-08 Dec-08

Figure 14: Status of processed WEMPs for all SEQ councils (cumulative), 2008

The implementation of WEMPs preceded the dramatic drop in water consumption for Major Water Users between 2004/2005 and 2007, and the maintenance of this reduction during 2008.

By 31 December 2008, 1,094 businesses had submitted a WEMP and only 10 had failed to do so. A further seven businesses which were new to the Major Water User category were asked to submit a WEMP in 2009.

20 4.2.2. Major Water Users by sector

Water use by Major Water Users (the primary target of the WEMP Program) was not spread evenly over the sectors in comparison to WEMP submissions. Figure 15a shows that the Heavy Industrial/Large Manufacturing sector represented only 3% of the total number of WEMPs submitted, but represented 21% of water consumed by Major Water Users (see Figure 15b).

The Commercial sector represented 23% of WEMPs submitted, and 15% of total water used. The Other Industrial sector accounted for 19% of submitted WEMPs, and 28% of total water used. a) Sectorala) Sectoral Overview Overview of Number of Number of Submitted of Submitted WEMPs WEMPs (%) (%) b) Sectoralb) Sectoral Overview Overview of WEMP of WEMP Consumption Consumption (%) (%) (at 31(at December 31 December 2008) 2008) (October-December(October-December 2008 2008 quarter) quarter)

HeavyHeavy Industrial/Industrial/ CommerciaCommercial l LargeLarge 23% 23% CommerciaCommercial l ManufactManufact. . HeavyHeavy 15% 15% 21% 21% Industrial/Industrial/ LargeLarge Manufact.Manufact. OtheOther r 3% 3% 23% 23%

OtheOther r OtheOther r IndustriaIndustrial l 10% 10% OtherOther 19% 19% IndustriaIndustrial l 28% 28% TourismTourism TourismTourism IrrigationIrrigation 7% 7% 10% 10% RuralRural RuralRural 3% 3% 2% 2% IrrigationIrrigation 2% 2% PublicPublic Sector Sector PublicPublic 1% 1% 16% 16% SectorSector 14% 14%

Figure 15a: Submitted WEMPs (%) by sector (at 31 December Figure 15b: Consumption by WEMP customers by sector 2008) (October-December 2008 quarter)

21 4.2.3. WEMP evaluation 66% Councils are responsible for evaluation and approval of WEMPs. This is often a lengthy process due to the additional information required of some businesses. At the beginning of submitted of 2008, 298 (33%) of WEMPs were approved and 600 (67%) were under evaluation. By the end of 2008, 725 (66%) of WEMPs were approved, 223 (21%) were under evaluation WEMPs were and 146 (13%) businesses were identified as no longer being required to submit a WEMP approved in 2008. (see Figure 16).

650 7 600 6 550 6 6 185 265 329 5

500 406 5 5 4 4 4 4

450 4

400 3

s 350 375 2 2 2 2 300 1 1 1 1 1 1 250 281 3

Number of WEMP 0 200 215 41 84 203 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 150 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 114

158 Lockyer Valley Scenic Rim Somerset 100 25 125 34 42 112 14 16 18 20 38 4 5 5 50 1 62 56 45 46 43 43 43 36 43 47 37 51 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Jun-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Sep-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Dec-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Mar-08 Brisbane Gold Coast Ipswich Moreton Bay Logan Lockyer Valley Scenic Rim Somerset

Approved Evaluation & Consultation

Figure 16: Status of submitted WEMPs by councils (cumulative), 2008

In general, Councils processed WEMP submissions efficiently. Most of the WEMPs (223) still under evaluation at the end of 2008 fell in the Brisbane and Ipswich City Council areas – which accords with the large number of Major Water Users in these areas.

Of the 146 accounts designated as Reduced ‘no WEMP required’, 61% reduced consumption, 61% consumption below 10ML/a – 6% of those reduced their consumption by Consumption no longer above 10ML/a, 49% identifying and fixing a major leak and 6% by using alternative water sources Leak fixed, 6% (see Figure 17). Town Water no longer req. 6%

Other reason, 2%

Identified as WEMP No reason customer in error, 5% specified, 32%

Figure 17: Reasons for accounts being designated as ‘No WEMP required’

22 Councils that had not completed evaluating and processing WEMPs submitted by businesses advised the QWC of their strategies for completing the program. Of those WEMPs that were under evaluation, 174 had been so for more than nine months (see Figure 18).

There are a range of factors 100% which can contribute to delays re 90% & 80% mo in WEMP evaluation, including: n

or 80% the complexity and depth of at hs lu 70% the WEMPs; that Councils have nt va 'E been unable to adequately mo 60% 9 9 s at s resource WEMP evaluation and r fo

50% processing; or that there has MP us WE at been a focus on prioritising 40% St of processing WEMPs for the larger ' 25% 22%

ge 30% on ti water users across all sectors. ta ta

en 20% 152 18 ul rc

WEMPs from the Commercial, ns Pe 10% 0% 1% 0% 0% 0% Public and Other Industrial Co 0% <1 sectors were under evaluation 609 247 81 75 69 6 5 2 for the longest periods (see Brisbane Gold Coast Ipswich Moreton Logan Lockyer Scenic Rim Somerset Figure 19). Bay Valley Total number of submitted WEMPs

Figure 18: Percentage of WEMPs at ‘evaluation and consultation’ status for 9 months or more (at 31 December 2008)

Commercial 29%

Heavy Industrial/ Large Manufact. Other 2% 13% 200

180 Other 160 Industrial Tourism 20% s 140 13% 120 Irrigation Rural 2% 100 1% Public Sector 174 20% 80

Number of WEMP 40

20 17 19 0 9 months or greater 6 to 9 months 3 to 6 months

Figure 19: WEMP customers at ‘evaluation and consultation’ status (end 2008)

23 4.2.4. WEMP Audit and Inspection Program The WEMP Audit and Inspection Program began in 2008. Under the program, Councils were required to undertake an annual audit or inspection of at least 20% of all premises with an approved WEMP. Inspection rates for 2008 demonstrate the commitment of SEQ Councils to the WEMP program and the importance of the ongoing Audit and Inspection Program.

On average, Councils exceeded the 20% 100% 100% 100% inspection requirement

d Percentage of Approved WEMPs Inspected

with a total of 218 site te 90% 20% Target ec

inspections (see Figure sp 80% 20). Brisbane, Gold in 70% een b Coast and Ipswich City

ve 60% Councils and Moreton of ge

ta 50% Bay Regional Council ich ha en

all exceeded the 20% rc 32% 34% s wh 40% 30% Pe 29%

requirement significantly. MP 30% WE Lockyer Valley, Scenic 14% Rim and Somerset ed 20% ov

Regional Councils had a ppr 10% Not A 375 203 56 46 37 6 Availa1ble 1 small number of WEMP 0% businesses and inspected Total Number of Brisbane Gold Coast Ipswich Moreton Logan Lockyer Scenic Rim Somerset Bay Valley all their customers with Approved WEMPs approved WEMPs.

When viewed by sector, Figure 20: Percentage of approved WEMPs which have been inspected at end 2008 the highest inspection rate was for the Heavy Industrial/Large Manufacturing sector with 54% of WEMP businesses inspected (see Figure 21). High inspection rates reflect the significant water use by this sector.

100%

) 90% (% or

ct 80% Se 70%

d by d 54%

te 60% ec

sp 50% 39% In s s 40% 32%

MP 28% 26% 23% 30% WE

ed 20% ov 9% 9% ppr

A 10% 0% Commercial Heavy Irrigation Public Rural Tourism Other Other Industrial/ Sector Industrial Large Manufac.

Figure 21: Percentage of inspections carried out on approved WEMPs by sector at end 2008

24 WEMP compliance generally improved in 2008. As demonstrated in Figure 22, in the first quarter of 2008, only 38% of businesses inspected were compliant. Compliance increased to 78% in the second quarter but fluctuated in the third and fourth quarters with 69% and 77% compliance respectively.

Where businesses were not operating in accordance with their approved WEMP, they were given a Notice to Comply and were subject to reinspection. 250 For the year 2008, 76% of Major Water Non-Compliant Users were compliant Compliant on Reinspection 14 200 Compliant on First Inspection at first inspection, 18% 39 complied on further inspection and 6% did 150 not comply, and are now on notice to do so or face penalties. While 100 compliance at inspection 165 improved over 2008, 26 10 12 24% non-compliance 50 demonstrates the 25 57 52 1 40 importance of the Audit 16 and Inspection Program 0 Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sept Oct-Dec Total for 2008 to ensure the WEMP Program continues to deliver maximum savings. Figure 22: Approved WEMPs inspection results, 2008

Gold Coast Water WEMP Inspection Officer assesses a business water meter

25 compliant at first inspection. Once the Audit and Inspection ProgramCase S wastudy in place, - Beyond this number best was reducedpractice to 8% in the last quarter of 2008 compared with 40% in the first quarter - which Ndemonstratesursery Traders, the Capalaba importance of the Audit and Inspection Program. Nursery Traders find business expansion doesn’t have to mean sacrificing a commitment to water efficiency.

A*****NEW wholesale PAGE***** nursery market established over 25 years ago, 3.4.Nursery2 Retrofit Traders water is part saving of an outcomes industry of traditionally high water users. As recently as 1999, usage was 55ML/a. Pull quote: “Retrofitting saves businesses money for a small investment.”“In a business sense our use wasn’t sustainable,” said Tim Bunker, Managing Director of Nursery Traders. “The challengeBusinesses was that to have improve participated our water in efficiencythe Retrofit whileProgram still are expandingsaving 14.3 the ML/day business.” (see Table 2 page 17) for a small investment. Water use has TheNursery number Traders of businesses have more not yet compliantthan risen toshows the challenge,the potential decreased by forreducing further their savings potable to be water made by thisuse bycategory, 95% to and2.6ML/a the value while of regulatoryexpanding follow-up.their business by 95%. 40% since 2000. During 2008, all sectors saved water“We now with go the through exception of the Largeconsiderable Manufacturing/Industrial periods of not using sector, any potable which experienced water at all,” 11%said Tim.growth “We’ve (see madeFigure a 22 significant below), attributable financial investment, to increased economicbut the payback activity. has The been Industrial, unbelievable.” Irrigation and Public sectors Theall achieved key to their a level success of saving was inestablishing excess of 30%.the entire site as Managing Director Tim Bunker inspects a a ‘catchment area’, through sloping concrete surfaces and stormwater filtration pit extensive guttering, with a water storage capacity of over 70ML through above and below ground tanks. “Not only do we capture all rainfall that falls on the site, we capture and reuse all our irrigation runoff water after processing through our onsite treatment plant.”

This approach is complemented by a suite of efficiency measures including use of efficient irrigation nozzles, optimal timing of watering, grouping plants with similar INSERTwatering BUSINESS requirements, RELATED use WATER of capillary IMAGE matting TO BE and plant CONFIRMEDstands to reduce spillage and evaporation, and daily reading of usage meters to identify any potential leaks.

According to Tim, Nursery Traders are committed to continuous improvement and are not finished yet. “We’re always trying to do it better. All our systems have been built with an inherent flexibility so we can adapt depending on our requirements and the conditions, such as rainfall.”

“We’re currently looking into developing an unused onsite *****NEWsalty bore PAGE***** – this could potentially eradicate our potable 3.1.4.water Active use Playing completely.” Surface Guidelines

Pull quote:The water “APS future Guidelines of Nursery ensure Traders efficient looks water bright. use for safe Concrete surfaces act as a catchment area playing surfaces.”

26 4.2.5. Non-compliance 10 While compliance with WEMP submissions has generally been excellent, some businesses have been slow to comply with the regulations, and three sectors in particular have faced businesses were challenges. Councils have allocated extra resources to following up these non-compliant yet to submit a businesses to ensure they become water efficient. WEMP by end During 2008, 256 businesses (23%) 2008. No were overdue to Compliance submit a WEMP and Action Required Final Notice to Comply Issued were issued a formal 855 First Notice 77% to Comply 1 first Notice to Comply (see Figure 23) and a new Issued 256 Third Notice to submission deadline. The issuing of first Notices had a 23% Comply Issued positive effect, with 241 businesses complying. 2 Second Notice to A second Notice was issued to 15 businesses, and Comply Issued 12 twelve complied. The three non-compliant businesses were subsequently issued a third Notice and two complied. At the end of 2008, only one business was on a final Notice To Comply or face penalties. Figure 23: Number of Notices to comply (WEMPs) at end 2008 Figure 24 shows the proportion of Major Water Users in each sector which received at least one Notice to Comply. Almost half (49%) of Major Water Users in the Tourism sector received at least one Notice to Comply before submitting a WEMP.

49% 50%

45%

40%

ed 35% om issu

wh 30% een

to 24% 23% s s b

er 25%

ha 21%

20% 19% ly om 18%

st 20% mp cu Co

MP 15% 12% to

WE ce

of 10% No % a 5%

0% Commercial Heavy Irrigation Public Rural Tourism Other Other Industrial/ Sector Industrial Large Manuf.

Figure 24: Percentage of total Major Water Users issued with a Notice to Comply at end 2008

These results show that non-compliance measures – such as Notices to Comply – are an effective tool and lead to compliance by the vast majority of businesses.

27 4.2.6. Major Water Users savings

Major Water Users that are compliant with the WEMP Program are saving 57.3ML/day (see Table 3 below). These compliant businesses in the Major Water Users category are saving 78% of all non-residential water consumption compared to 2004/05.

Table 3: Major Water Users consumption and savings (2004/05 and 2008)

Consumption band >10ML/a 2004/05 151.0 ML/d 2008 93.7 ML/d Savings 57.3 ML/d

Major Water User consumption was relatively constant between the final quarters of 2007 and 2008 (see Figure 25) with a slight (1.2ML/day) decrease in consumption between the two quarters.

120

100 99.5 98.9 99.5 98.3 80 88.7

Major Water User average consumption (ML/d) Oct-Dec 2007 Jan-Mar 2008 Apr-Jun 2008 Jul-Sept 2008 Oct-Dec 2008

Figure 25: Major Water User consumption (October 2007 to December 2008)

28 Major Water User savings have been maintained across all sectors during 2008 (see Figure 26).

70 64.8 63.8 60 Oct-Dec 2007 Oct-Dec 2008 50

30 (ML/Account/Qtr)

9.5 9.3 11.0 10.5 Average Major Water User consumption 10 7.2 5.4 5.0 6.5 6.6 5.9 3.2 1.6 0 % Decrease in 9% 1% 49% 11% 2% 12% 5% Consumption Commercial Heavy Industrial/ Irrigation Public Sector Rural Tourism Other Industrial Large Manufact.

Notes: Overall this is a 4-5% decrease in per account usage

Figure 26: Major Water User average consumption (2008)

Major Water Users are required to achieve a 25% water saving or reach best practice water use within a stipulated period. Because business water consumption is affected by seasonal and business cycles, water use from each quarter was compared with the equivalent quarter from a ‘base year’. Each Major Water User had a base year against which their water-saving was benchmarked – generally 2004/05 or 2005/06.

As shown in Figure 27 below, businesses within the Brisbane City Council and Moreton Bay Regional Council achieved the most significant reductions in consumption, with average reductions of 38% and 35% respectively from their base year.

100% r) te

ar 90% Qu n 80% io pt

c 2008 70% um De ns t-

Co 60%

MP to

n 50% WE

pt 38% 40% 35% um

ns 30% Co

25% rk 20% 16% 16% Decrease (%) in ma

ch 8% 10% Not 7% Not en

(B Available Available 0% Brisbane Gold Coast Ipswich Moreton Logan Lockyer Scenic Rim Somerset Bay Valley

Figure 27: Decrease (%) in Major Water User consumption (benchmark consumption to October-December 2008 Quarter)

29 Case Study - Learning to save

The Bremer Institute of TAFE (TBIT) Bundamba Campus

The Bremer Institute of TAFE (TBIT) Bundamba Campus had gradually reduced their water use through retrofitting and efficient practices. A Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP) audit helped uncover a new source of saving.

From 2001 when TBIT used approximately 68ML/a, water use was gradually reduced 7ML/a through a combination of was saved improvements to ground Operations Coordinator Wayne Freeman with through leak maintenance practices, and an upgrade of urinals from the repaired leaky pipe. repair. continuous to manual flush. disparity between water being used and our consumption By 2004, water use more levels. Further investigation found a leaking and rusted than halved to 32ML/a, but more savings were to come. pipe which was the source of a major leak.”

By undertaking the WEMP process, a range of water Usage has now been halved again to 7ML/a, with a further efficiency activities were undertaken including: target to reduce consumption to around 5ML/a in 2009. • conversion to waterless urinals Having reduced usage below 10ML a year, TBIT are no • audit and update of fixtures and fittings longer obligated to submit WEMP quarterly reports, • decommissioning of evaporative air coolers however their water saving ways are now embedded into • installation of water tanks their management and look set to continue. • retrofit of toilets, taps and showers. “We will explore more possibilities in the future, for Usage was further reduced to approximately 14ML/a, example within the activities of the Horticulture Training when a WEMP audit helped identify another source of Centre.” savings. “We’re committed to continuing the process and striving “We became proactive in leak management,” said Wayne for a culture of continuous improvement. Freeman, Operations Coordinator. “We identified a

80,000

70,000 Upgrade urinals - continuous KL dump flush to manual push Complied with all level 60,000 button restrictions. 50,000 KL Install tanks 33,000L grounds, 40,000 vehicle washing etc Commenced L 1 L2 L3 30,000 improvements to L4 L5 grounds maintenance Renewed effort to manage L6 20,000 practices. water using practices 10,000

0 2000/1 2001/2 2002/3 2003/4 2004/5 2005/6 2006/7 2007/8 2008/09* Introduced waterless Meter readings daily to Years Retrofit project - dual flush urinal technology toilets, flow restrictors etc. monitor leakage etc..

TBIT Bundamba Campus water usage (1ML = 1000KL)

30 4.3. Retrofit Program Businesses that used more than 1ML/a, but less than10ML/a (Moderate Water Users), were required to conduct an audit of their water use and retrofit water-efficient devices or improve water use in areas such as: • taps • dishwasher • toilets 14.3ML • pipes • air-conditioning is saved daily by • showers retrofit customers. • washing machines • gardens • recycling.

4.3.1. Retrofit Audit and Inspection Program

During 2008, Councils undertook an Audit and Inspection Program with a target of inspecting 20% of business that were required to retrofit. Where retrofits were not in accordance with requirements, businesses were given a formal Notice to Comply and were subject to reinspection.

As demonstrated in Figure 28, on average the 20% target for inspections was achieved by the end of 2008 with Brisbane, Logan City and Lockyer Valley Regional Councils exceeding their target.

50% 45% Percentage of Retrofits Inspected 20% Target 40% 35%

30% 26% 25% 25% 22% 18% 18% 20% 13% 15% 10% 5% 4440 1820 808 963 127 122 0% Total Number of Brisbane Gold Coast City Ipswich Moreton Bay Logan Lockyer Valley Retrofits Council

Figure 28: Percentage of retrofit customers inspected at end 2008

3 A complete data set for comparison was unavailable for Scenic Rim and Somerset Regional Councils.

31 Compliance by Moderate Water Users varied throughout 2008. For the March quarter, 40% were compliant at inspection, while for the 2008 June quarter this figure was 61%. By September, 66% complied and by the December quarter, 87% were compliant at inspection (see Figure 29).

1800

1600 Non-Compliant 136 Compliant on Reinspection 1400 272 Compliant on First Inspection 1200

1000

800 20 600 65 1246

400 156 166 24 563 200 104 278 324 17 0 81 Jan-Mar Apr-Jun Jul-Sept Oct-Dec Total for 2008

Figure 29: Retrofit customers inspection results (2008)

Overall in 2008, 1,246 (75%) of businesses were compliant at first inspection, 272 (17%) were compliant on subsequent reinspection and 136 business (8%) were yet to comply.

Like WEMP businesses, retrofit compliance at inspection improved during 2008. Despite this, overall, 25% of businesses were not compliant at first inspection. Once the Audit and Inspection Program was in place, this number was reduced to 8% in the last quarter of 2008 compared with 40% in the first quarter – which demonstrates the importance of the Audit and Inspection Program.

32 4.3.2. Retrofit water saving outcomes Moderate Water Users are saving 14.3ML/day, thanks to making relatively basic changes 75% to their water use equipment. The number of businesses not yet compliant shows the of retrofit potential for further savings to be made by this category, and the value of an ongoing Audit and Inspection Program. businesses were During 2008, all sectors saved water with the exception of the Large Manufacturing/ compliant at first Industrial sector, which experienced 11% growth (see Figure 30), attributable to increased inspection in 2008. economic activity. The Industrial, Irrigation and Public sectors all achieved a level of saving in excess of 30%.

50%

40%

30%

20%

10% 26% 35% 42% 31% 18% 6% 28% 0% -11% -10%

-20% Commercial Industrial Irrigation Large Public Rural Tourism Total Manufacturing Industrial

Figure 30: Retrofit customer savings by sector, 2004/05 to 2008 (whole year average)

These water saving outcomes reflect the commitment of the majority of non-residential sector operators in SEQ to maintaining and increasing water savings, even as businesses experience growth.

33 4.4. Active Playing Surface Guidelines The Active Playing Surface (APS) Guidelines set out rules for irrigating turf (grassed) 629 active playing surfaces. The Guidelines ensure water is used efficiently while surfaces are maintained in a safe and playable condition. SEQ playing fields

Active playing surfaces are categorised into five classes: operate under APS • Major Sports – Turf Surfaces Guidelines. • Local Sports – Turf Surfaces • Non-Turf and other sports • Schools • Child Care Centres.

APS managers using town water are required to register their field, undertake a soil assessment using a guide provided by the QWC, and seek an approved water allocation from their Council.

As shown in Figure 31, schools had the largest number of active playing surfaces (47%) followed by Local Sports (Senior, Junior, Amateur and other ‘grades’ of sporting competitions), Non-Turf and Other Sports (where water is used for safety, dust suppression or track maintenance such as golf greens), and Major Sports (hosting international, Local Sports 27% national or State competitions, for example The Gabba).

School Brisbane City Council had the greatest number of 47% registered sport fields that used town water (296), followed by the Gold Coast City Council (95) and Major Sports Moreton Bay Regional Council (89). As shown in Figure 7% 32, a total of 629 playing fields are now registered and operating under the APS Guidelines.

Non-Turf & Other Sports 19%

Figure 31: APS registrations by field type at end 2008

350

s 1 APS Registration Not Received

er 300 APS Registration Received om

st 250 Cu

S S 200 AP

of 150 296 er 2 2 mb 100 0 0 Nu 50 95 89 Not Not 59 70 3 Available Available 0 15 0 0 % of APS Docs 99.7% 97.9% 100.0% 97.8% 100.0% 83.3% Brisbane Gold Coast Ipswich Moreton Bay Logan Lockyer Valley Scenic Rim Somerset

Figure 32: Status of Identified APS customers at end 2008

34 4.5. Mobile Commercial Operator Training and Registration Program

Mobile Commercial Operators, such as mobile car washing businesses, external cleaners and pet washers, use water as a primary input to their businesses and it is important that they operate in a water efficient manner. For this reason, the QWC created water efficiency guidelines which ensure Mobile Commercial Operators who use town water: • are trained in efficient waster use practices (usually by the industry 1130 association) Mobile Commercial • are registered with Chamber of Commerce Operators have and Industry Queensland (formerly registered as Commerce Queensland) water efficient as a trained operator • operate in accordance businesses. with water use efficiency guidelines • display a sign to advise customers of their compliance with water restrictions, after training has been completed.

By the end of 2008: • 1,130 Mobile Commercial Operators had registered as water-efficient businesses • 1,526 people working in those businesses had undertaken training (see Figure 33) • by undertaking training and operating in accordance with the Guidelines, Mobile Commercial Operators made Mobile Commercial Operators include dog washers positive contributions to water efficiency and water savings.

700 606 600 538

500 414 423 400 382

293 300

200

100

0 Pet Washing Industry Motor Vehicle Cleaning External Building Cleaning

Registered water efficient operators Total number of trained staff

Figure 33: Snapshot of registered water efficient operators and trained staff, at end 2008

35 36 5. Conclusion

The QWC’s demand management program has been the impetus for a fundamental change in water saving and efficiency behaviours, leading to significant water savings in SEQ. Water In 2008, water savings achieved in the non-residential and residential sectors between 2004/05 and 2007 were maintained. Achievements demonstrate that: saving • water restrictions are effective in reducing consumption and should continue to be applied where appropriate and efficiency are • communication and education campaigns are effective in changing residential water use behaviours and habits embedded in SEQ. • some residents require further education, information and regulations to encourage compliance as part of the ongoing Residential Excessive Water Users Program • working in collaboration with businesses through the Water Efficiency Management Plan Program, Retrofit Program, Active Playing Surface Guidelines and Mobile Commercial Operator Training and Registration Program produces sustainable water saving results • Audit and Inspection Programs instituted for WEMP and Retrofit Programs have been effective and will continue to improve compliance.

The QWC’s demand management programs have played a key role in ensuring water security for SEQ. The challenge for the future is to ensure the region maintains and continues to improve water efficiency and moves further towards innovation and best practice. The QWC will continue to work with the non-residential sector to embed water efficiency and demand management requirement into business planning cycles, and to actively seek out and promote new water saving approaches, innovations and technologies.

The extent to which water saving and efficiency behaviours have been embedded in SEQ is evident in that despite significant changes to the water supply balance due to increased rainfalls at the end of summer 2008/09 (and the introduction of Medium Level Restrictions), SEQ residents have consistently used less than 150 L/p/d. We are now a water saving community.

Local Councils and the residential and non-residential sectors are to be congratulated on the water savings that have been achieved in SEQ and encouraged to continually be water efficient.

The QWC will harness the opportunities that have been created to maintain and build on our water efficient status to ensure a sustainable and secure water future for SEQ.

37 Glossary

Measurement Units

ML = megalitre (million litres)

ML/d = megalitres per day

ML/a = megalitres per annum

L/p/d = litres per person per day

L/a/d = litres per account per day Definitions

Active playing surfaces (APS) – turf and non-turf surfaces used for sport, schools and child care centres that are required to follow the APS guidelines.

Base-line water consumption – generally taken as the water consumption in 2004/05, the year prior to the introduction of WEMPs. Base-line consumption for businesses is water consumption for the year before business commenced a water saving program, started operating as a business or 2004/05 - whichever is more recent.

Best practice – is the adoption of water use efficiency and source substitution initiatives where the economic, social and environmental benefits exceed the cost of the initiative.

Consumption band – the water consumed by customers or customer sectors at various volumetric levels (e.g. 1-10ML/a, 10-20ML/a and >20ML/a).

Consumption data – the meter readings of water consumed by customers or customer sectors.

Major Water Users – businesses that use more than 10ML/a.

Mobile commercial operators – any person or entity conducting a business which is primarily focused on mobile car washing and detailing, dog washing and grooming, and external cleaning.

Moderate Water Users – businesses that use between 1ML/a and 10ML/a.

Notice to Comply – a notice issued to businesses which have failed to submit a WEMP by the stipulated date.

Permanent Water Conservation Measures ��–�� the proposed Permanent Water Conservation Measures are designed to embed the efficient use of water into the everyday lives of SEQ residents out of drought.

Residential Excessive Water Users Compliance Program (Excessive Users Program) – program focused on households using more than 800 litres a day. Households are alerted to their high volume water use and provided information and assistance on how to reduce consumption.

Retrofit customers – businesses required to install water efficient devices (water shower heads, urinals etc).

38 SEQ – South East Queensland.

SEQ Councils subject to QWC water restrictions: • Brisbane City Council • Gold Coast City Council • Ipswich City Council • Lockyer Valley Regional Council • Logan City Council • Moreton Bay Regional Council • Scenic Rim Regional Council (part of) • Somerset Regional Council.

Target 140 and Target 170 – QWC communication campaigns focused on residential water savings implemented in concert with Extreme and High Level Restrictions respectively.

Water efficient operator – mobile commercial operators who have completed water efficiency training and are registered with Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (formerly known as Commerce Queensland).

WEMP – Water Efficiency Management Plan.

WEMP-approved – a WEMP submitted by businesses to their water service provider and subsequently approved.

WSP – water service provider.

39 Securing our water, together. 40