News
Lower water use despite record summer crowds
Record crowds of tourists to Phillip Island and surrounds did not mean a huge rise in water use over summer, according to Westernport Water data.
Peak daily demand in December 2008 was 20% lower than in December 2007, when the region was in stage two restrictions.Peak daily demand was 10.1ML compared to the figure of 12.1ML recorded for December 2007.
Westernport Water Managing Director Murray Jackson said: “The January figure follows a similar trend in December.”
Peak daily demand over the January 2009 holiday period was 11.4ML, 6% less than 12.1ML recorded as peak daily demand in January 2008.
The result was despite record tourist numbers. Newhaven/Cowes hosted nearly 3000 more visitors over Christmas/NewYear 2008 than 2007.
Mr Jackson noted: “December 2007 was subject to stage two restrictions and yet water demand was lower in 2008. It proves our customers are excellent water watchers.
“The lessons we all learned from the past years are reshaping our water use patterns.
“It also suggests that tourists are also being careful. We thank everyone for their responsible water use.
“We have a bigger safety margin, a better buffer to take our supply through to winter,” he said.