Water Restrictions

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Water Restrictions

• John Maudsley
• Mellissa Stott
• Suzette Hafey
• 5 March 2007

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Yarra Valley Water

• Retail Water Company servicing 1.6 million people
• In reference to the drought
• Managing water and sewerage services within our
  own area
• Working cooperatively across Melbourne with other
  Water Companies, Government, community and
  stakeholders on the drought challenges
• Each Water Company is responsible to lead various
  components of the drought response actions

3
The current situation

• Below average rainfall and prolonged dry weather
  means our water storages are at a low 33.8 per
  cent
• Drought Response Plan rationale
• Stage 3 Restrictions came into effect January 1,
  2007. Savings close to predicted savings
• Stage 4 Restrictions possibly early May 07
• Climate change and this severe drought means a
  paradigm shift in thinking

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Storages
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Current Water Storage
UPDATED TO 6 FEBRUARY 2007
STORAGE 8AM TODAY 638.0 GL (36.0)
STORAGE LAST WEEK 649.6 GL (36.6)
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Melbournes Water Consumption

• Residential 59
• Non Presentational 30
• Non Revenue Water 11
• Melbourne consumes 8 of Victoria's water

7
Drought Response Management

• Current water industry focus
• Industry coordinated approach to restrictions and
  supply options.
• Encourage / educate customers to comply with
  restrictions
• Working closely with most affected industries
  namely turf, vehicle washing, pool / spa and
  outdoor sporting activities
• Assist customers with water conservation
• Enforce compliance (where necessary)
• Seeking to achieve the targeted water savings of
  at least 12 on an annual basis for stage 3 water
  restrictions (in addition to the savings from
  previous stage)

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Planning for Extreme Drought Worst Case - Supply
Options

• Operational activities, reintroducing weirs out
  of service
• Managing releases to accurately meet
  environmental flows
• Moving timber harvesting away from higher yield
  catchments
• Fast tracking Tarago Reservoir treatment plant
• Access to volumes below extreme operating levels
• Blue Rock Dam connection
• Groundwater investigations
• Other large supply options
• Using smaller sites for non potable use (e.g.
  Devil Bend)

9
Learning's to date

• Level of angst and anger increases on each
  restriction stage.
• We are all in this together. Most people / groups
  have the best intent.
• Impacts are more serious than previously
  anticipated, e.g. social and unemployment.
• Climate Change to be factored in.
• Great innovative ideas and new business is being
  created although does not outweigh the adverse
  impacts

10
How we can help you with Stage 4

• We recognise that there are serious social
  impacts because of Stage 4.
• Our treatment plants (Craigieburn, Lilydale
  Brushy Creek) are available for taking of Class B
  recycled water.
• Two YVW trucks available to supply water (one
  recycled)
• Possible partnership projects
• Aim for win-win scenarios where possible

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Challenges / Suggestions

• Having a go with innovative changes, work
  improvements
• Offering options. (However YVW is not the expert
  in your field)
• Assisting customers with their concerns and
  worries
• Making sure that the message is consistent across
  Melbourne
• Be strategic.

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Thank you Questions
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(No Transcript)
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The Key Challenge
GDP per capita (US)


Ecological Footprint (Ha per Person)
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All alternative supply options (note change of
cost scale)
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Most cost-efficient demand management options
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All demand management options (note change of
cost scale)
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Cost-efficient catchment supply options
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Most cost-efficient alternative supply options
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All alternative supply options (note change of
cost scale)
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Restriction Exemptions January 07

• Our Contact Centre has taken over 16 thousand
  calls on water restrictions (up 5000 from
  December)
• Received over 800 exemption applications
• 600 approvals
• 66 rejections
• Rest were within guidelines