As the sun sets on Thursday, October 24, Goulburn Valley Water asks residents to do something unconventional: turn off all non-essential taps for one night.
GVW, in partnership with The Water Conservancy, is challenging residents to participate in Water Night, a National Water Week initiative to raise awareness about the urgent need to conserve our precious water resources.
Similar to Earth Hour, during which people turn off their lights to promote environmental consciousness, Water Night asks households to ‘tap off’ from 5pm to 10pm.
By signing up for Water Night, GVW customers will be in the running for various prizes, including Visa gift cards and reusable drink bottles.
Additionally, participants can compete for national prizes ranging from dishwashers to smartwatches.
The theme for this year, ‘Tap off, tune in’, invites individuals to learn about the impact of climate change on Australia’s water supply.
A recent survey from The Water Conservancy revealed a disconnect between perception and reality regarding water usage.
Surprisingly, 59 per cent of respondents believed they were adequately conserving water, yet the average Australian uses about 200 litres daily — far more than the 150 litres most think they consume.
“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,” GVW managing director Steve Capewell said.
“I encourage people to sign up for 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.”
Nearly half of the survey respondents (48 per cent) expressed a willingness to commit to shorter showers.
However, only one in three indicated they would run dishwashers or washing machines only with full loads.
The Water Conservancy chief executive Chris Philpot said it wasn’t surprising that most Australians were concerned about climate change, but the research highlighted a troubling gap in understanding how everyday water usage contributed.
“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.
High-profile Australians will be among those ‘tapping off’ on Water Night.
Water Night ambassador and Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis is one such example.
“Climate change can often seem overwhelming, making it difficult to know how to make a difference,” he said.
“Water Night offers a straightforward way to reduce both water usage and your carbon footprint.
“Everyone, sign up today — together, we can make a real difference.”
The countdown is on: are you ready to turn off your taps?
To sign up for Water Night, visit waternight.com.au and nominate Goulburn Valley Water as your water utility.
For more information, visit gvwater.vic.gov.au/water-night