21 October 2024
Could you last one night without reaching for your taps?
Goulburn Valley Water is encouraging people to challenge themselves this National Water Week and ‘tap off’ as part of Water Night, to help raise awareness about water usage.
Goulburn Valley Water is working with The Water Conservancy to bring Water Night to the region as part of its fifth year. Similar to turning off lights for Earth Hour, Water Night asks people to turn off all non-essential taps from 5pm to 10pm on Thursday 24 October.
Goulburn Valley Water customers who sign up to participate will have a chance to win prizes for the region, including VISA gift cards and stainless steel reusable drink bottles.
There are also national prizes to win, including a dishwasher, coffee machine, wireless headphones, a smartwatch and more.
This year, the Water Night theme is ‘Tap off, tune in’, encouraging people to turn their taps off to help save energy and water, and tune in to learning how climate change could impact Australia’s water supply.
Goulburn Valley Water Managing Director Steve Capewell said Water Night aims to remind people about how little actions at home can make a difference.
“We all reach for our taps on autopilot, and I don’t think many of us realise how much we rely on running water every day or how much water we actually use,” he said.
“I encourage people to sign up to Water Night and challenge you to turn off your taps; and in the process learn a little more about how important it is to make every drop count, particularly as we head into summer in a climate that is getting warmer and drier.”
New research from the Water Conservancy about perceptions on climate change and water use shows that more than half (59%) of respondents believe they are doing enough to conserve water, most underestimate their daily usage.
The average amount of water used per person every day in Australia is approximately 200 litres, yet more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents think they use 150 litres or less each day.
Despite Australia ranking among the top 10 countries with the highest water use globally, just one in four believe they could do more to save water.
The Water Conservancy CEO Chris Philpot said it wasn’t surprising that most Australians are concerned about climate change, but the research highlighted a troubling gap in understanding how everyday water usage contributed.
CEO of The Water Conservancy, Chris Philpot said: “Last year was the hottest since records began, so it’s not surprising that most Australians are concerned about climate change. However, these results highlight a troubling gap in understanding how our everyday water usage contributes to the issue.
“Water Night offers a valuable opportunity to increase Australia’s water literacy and draw attention to the unseen environmental costs of over-using this precious resource,” he said.
“We're encouraging all Australians to take part to demonstrate how practical, water saving actions could help make a positive environmental impact.”
When considering future actions, nearly half of respondents (48%) indicated they would commit to taking shorter showers. However, only one in three said they would only run dishwashers or washing machines with full loads.
Water Night ambassador and Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis is just one of many highprofile Australians registered to take part in this year’s Water Night and is encouraging others to join.
“Climate change can often seem overwhelming, making it difficult to know how to make a difference. Water Night offers a straightforward way to reduce both water usage and your carbon footprint. I encourage everyone to sign up today - together we can make a real difference,” he said.
People can sign up at www.waternight.com.au and nominate Goulburn Valley Water as their water utility, or find more information at www.gvwater.vic.gov.au/water-night