Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

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Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
Even though water restrictions are generally viewed as an effective method of demand
management, there is evidence to suggest that in some circumstances they may initially,
result in increasing demand. Rather than instilling a conservation mentality in customer’s
minds, some water users may not have realised that water was in short supply but feel that
their present situation is too important to reduce consumption and instead increase their
water use. This is usually seen when restrictions have only recently been introduced and
the level is not very strict. Increased demand reduction will generally occur as the level of
restrictions is increased and the need to conserve water is conveyed to the community.
Also the ability of Council to enforce these restrictions through fines and penalties is
important to the community’s adherence to them.
The present community sentiment toward water restrictions is that they are an imposition
from Council and are only required during periods of severe drought. However, there is an
opportunity to use the introduction of water restrictions in a broader context within in a
demand management framework. Restricting garden watering to early morning and
evening is one water restriction strategy that could be applied permanently. This strategy
not only achieves positive outcomes in terms of water efficiency, but it is more beneficial for
general plant health and growth. One of the major challenges facing ESC through the
implementation of the water conservation strategy is to change customers’ current
behavioural patterns of water use. As community awareness of water conservation issues
increases through the implementation of a successful demand management program, a
greater acceptance toward these issues is likely to result. This may also result in a change
to the community’s current perception of water restrictions. Rather than only introduce
restrictions during periods of severe drought, they could be used to help raise awareness
and reduce peak seasonal summer demands by introducing mild restrictions every
summer. The political repercussions of any decision made with regard to water restrictions
would need to be determined by Council prior to their introduction.