Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy

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Eurobodalla Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy
Reducing water usage can be achieved through applying structural solutions such as the
installation of more water efficient fixtures and appliances. While these may decrease the
flow rate of water, they may not necessarily result in reduced water use. Behavioural and
cultural aspects also form an important component of water consumption. These are
primarily addressed through the provision of education and information to the community.
Therefore, a successful program to reduce water usage needs to incorporate both
structural and non-structural solutions.
Ongoing monitoring systems need to be developed to ensure that initiatives such as
demand management are achieving their intended goals and should form a fundamental
component in assessing whether those issues identified for the Eurobodalla Shire have
been addressed. Data and information gathered through appropriate on-going monitoring
systems can then be feed back into the education campaign to form a continued refinement
of this process.
Another important factor in ensuring that the outcomes from this IWCM strategy are
sustained is to monitor the volume of bulk water production lost through the distribution
system. This IWCM strategy has devised a two stage approach to reducing the amount of
water lost. The accurate determination of unaccounted for water through additional
metering has been identified as the first important step, prior to the implementation of the
loss reduction program.
An additional aspect to consider in managing the urban water cycle of Eurobodalla in a
sustainable manner is to establish a common water cycle fund. This would allow Council to
offer choices of price paths for its customers to achieve differing levels of integration.
Although, the current legislative arrangements do not allow this to occur, it is strongly
recommended that Council and DLWC pursue this further, as a common water cycle fund
provides Council the flexibility and opportunity to signal its customers the expected
outcomes.
13.3 Strategy Review Cycle
Although, this strategy has been developed for a planning period of 30 years, it is
recommended that the plan be regularly reviewed. The recommended review interval is five
years but not greater than 10 years.