Search the collections
Water Smart Home - Project Description
Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world, and yet is one of the highest consumers of water per capita. It has been estimated that by 2030 Melbourne's water supply will not be able to meet the needs of Melbourne's population. As domestic water use accounts for 60% of all water used in Melbourne, changing the way people think about and use this scarce resource has been identified as a key strategy to securing a sustainable water future for Melbourne. The Victorian Government aims to reduce domestic water consumption by 15% (or seven buckets less per person per day) by 2010.
The Smart Water Fund was established by the Victorian Government to support innovative projects addressing this critical water issue. The Water Smart Home project was funded by the Smart Water Fund from 2003-2007. Water Smart Home was a community based project that aimed to engage, educate and inspire Melbournians in how to reduce, reuse and revalue water in their daily lives.
The main features of the project included an interactive exhibit at Melbourne Museum that promotes water conservation in the home and garden; a website that profiles contemporary examples of households who have made significant water savings in and around their own homes; and a vast range of education and outreach programs including a student-led display 'Water Power', Open Homes & Gardens Tours and a performance piece 'Aqua Profunda'.
Water Smart Home was a finalist in the SaveWater! Awards (2005) and the Banksia Environmental Awards (2008). The Victorian Smart Water Fund is a joint initiative between the Victorian Government (Department of Sustainability and Environment) and the four metropolitan water businesses (City West Water, Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Melbourne Water) to generate and implement ideas on saving or recycling water.
References:
Melbourne Water, July 2007, 'Sustainability Report 2006/2007'
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, April 2006, 'Central Region Sustainable Water Strategy Action to 2055'
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, June 2007, 'Our Water Our Future: The Next Stage of the Government's Plan'
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, June 2004, 'Securing our Water Future Together: White Paper'
Water Resources Strategy Committee for the Melbourne Area, October 2002, '21st century Melbourne: a WaterSmart City (final report)'
Items per page: 10 50 (showing 1 - 10) 28 items
-
Folder - 'Water Saver Kit', Victorian Government, 2003
Promotional Folder - 'Water Saver Kit', published and distributed by the Victorian Government, 2003. This folder was part of the Victorian Governments' 'Our Water Our Future' water con ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Plan - Landscape Garden Plan, W. van Dok, Hand Drawn, Glen Waverley, 1999
This plan was hand drafted by the donor in 1999. It is a landscape plan for her own water efficient garden. The plan was produced during the donor's participation in a landscape design ...
From: Glen Waverley, Australia Images: 1 -
Preliminary Sketch - Landscape Garden Plan, W. van Dok, Hand Drawn, Glen Waverley, 1999
This preliminary sketch of a water efficent, drought tolerant domestic garden design; hand drafted by Wendy van Dok in 1999. The plan was produced by Wendy during her participation in a ...
From: Glen Waverley, Australia Images: 2 -
Plan - EPA Approval Request for Envirowater Greywater Treatment System, Stuart McQuire, 20 ...
This is the original of the plan that was drafted by Stuart McQuire and submitted to the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) as part of the process of receiving approval for ...
From: Brunswick West, Australia Images: 1 -
Calendar - Eastern Treatment Plant, Melbourne Water, 2006
2006 Calendar issued by Melbourne Water with each month illustrated by a primary school child. The theme is "I Love Living Here" which promotes the protection of Melbourne's rivers and ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Calendar - Winneke Treatment Plant, Melbourne Water, 2007
2007 calendar issued by Melbourne Water with each month illustrated by a primary school child responding to the theme of "Life - Just Add Water!" The primary schools involved in the 200 ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Envelope - 'Important: Victorian Government Announcement', Victorian Government, 2004
Envelope, - 'Important: Victorian Government Announcement'. Text on cover reads: 'Follow the five new permanent water saving rules'. This envelope was distributed to all households in ...
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 6 -
Envelope - 'A Message About our Water from the Premier of Victoria', 2003
Envelope and letter from the Premier, Steve Bracks, outlining ways in which Melburnians can reduce water consumption. Envelope is unopened.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 1 -
Letter - 'Water: The Challenge Ahead', 2003
Letter from the Premier of Victoria, Steve Bracks, outlining ways in which Melburnians can reduce water consumption.
From: Melbourne, Australia Images: 2 -
Booklet - 'Helpful Hints for Waterwise Gardeners', South East Water, 2004
20 page booklet 'Helpful hints for Waterwise gardeners'. The booklet contains: the benefits of being a 'waterwise' gardener; '7 secrets from experts'; and information about flowers, l ...
From: Moorabbin, Australia Images: 3
