Mega-saving of water

St Hubert's Island and Patonga are now saving more than 100 million litres of drinking water per year thanks to Gosford Council's Pressure and Leakage Management Program, according to council's director of water and sewerage Mr Rod Williams.

Mr Williams said the program aimed to control water loss from the region's water distribution system by managing leaks and system pressure.

He said the water savings achieved within St Hubert's Island and Patonga could be attributed to active leak detection, reduction in system pressure and ongoing monitoring of the water supply system.

"As part of the program the supply system within the two areas has been fitted with electromagnetic flow meters, pressure reducing valves and data loggers," Mr Williams said.

"These devices enable council to detect any abnormal water use, identify leaks and respond accordingly.

"The technology also provides useful data for system modelling which enables council to better manage the system and minimise potential future water loss."

Council received a grant of $28,000 in support of the program through the Australian Government, Water Smart Australia regional Water Loss Management Program.

The program manager of the Water Loss Management Program Mr Ian Maggs said the water loss management project undertaken in Patonga and St Hubert's Island had resulted in excellent water savings, with both areas now delivering best practice performance.

"The 100 megalitres per year Gosford Council is saving has meant the total water savings through the regional program to date exceeds 1.3 billion litres," Mr Maggs said.

Press release, 3 Mar 2010 Kylie Gillett, Gosford Council