I don’t get fired up about public issues very often but this one is really starting to frustrate me - Water Restrictions. I was in a debate about it yesterday with Penelope and reading Chris’ latest entry, it reminded me that I need to vent about this. The fact is Stage 3 restrictions started on January 1 and they are going to be around for a very long while.
Now it’s no surprise that we have water restrictions in Melbourne, we’re in the worst drought in a long time, if not ever, but the way the whole situation is being handled is appaling. To me, the solution to this problem is really quite simple - you have to cut down on your water usage. That’s why we have the restrictions in the first place, but the problem is not with the restrictions themselves, but how breaches are handled. What is the point of fining someone for using too much water? They will inevitably do it again because effectively policing water wastage is near impossible and the act of wasting the water has already been committed.
Why then has no one looked at this from the other angle? Why not offer incentives to the general public to reduce water usage before restrictions even need to be brought into effect? It’s simple, it would cost the water companies money. But I’d argue it’s money well spent. Imagine if every time you opened your water bill it showed the usage this period (as it already does) and then sets you a usage target (or “water saving goal” if you like) for the next period. If you get below that goal you receive a reward, something as simple as a discount off your bill or some other incentive. Each time, the target is lowered, and you gradually save water. Surely this is a better alternative to promoting healthy water usage across Melbourne? This type of scheme would work in tandem with restrictions, but it would help reduce water wastage early, and negate the need to reach Stage 3 restrictions like we have now.
And who knows how long we’ll have these for? Pretty soon we’ll be at Stage 4, and then what? Something needs to be done.
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Good idea! I agree, current punishment for water waste doesn’t seem to be enough. I have heard that the police could be sent around to drop water pressure for those who are excessive, but that’s about it. I also believe a rewards system would be better incentive.
Besides, from what I hear, household water only accounts for under 5% of all the usage. Someone needs to speak to the Easlink people and other industries who are using thousands of litres a day!