Multi-million dollar NSW water saving scheme

The NSW Government is pouring $6 million into the Water Fix fund, to help households repair leaking taps and install water wise shower heads, in a bid to preserve the precious commodity.

State Water Minister Melinda Pavey says levels in Sydney’s catchment are falling faster than ever.

Warragamba Dam which supplies water to Sydney is now sitting at just 52.9 per cent, after dropping another 0.3 per cent last week.

“What we want to make sure, is we don’t waste a drop,” Ms Pavey said.

The rebate scheme covers the plumber’s callout fee - usually up to $60.

You can also get three indoor leaking taps fixed - a saving of $99, an outdoor tap fixed, and a four-star water-wise shower head installed at a cut-price discount.

Customers will pay between $11 to $22 for the water-efficient shower heads - which would usually cost up to $100.

Sydney Water’s executive drought lead Catherine Port says households can save about $200 on a typical plumber’s visit.

“It’s a great deal for customers, as well as a great way they can save water,” Ms Port said.

Water Fix plumber Martin Mulqueeney says he’s usually in and out of most homes, within an hour.

“We look for leaks on kitchen taps, basin taps, shower taps, garden taps and toilet leaks, and we can assess those to see where we can save you money,” Mr Mulqueeney said.

There are long-term benefits to bring down water usage, too.

A single leaking tap can waste up to 2,000 litres a month, adding about $50 a year to the water bill.

Installing a water-wise showerhead brings similar savings.

They use only a third of the water of a standard shower head - leading to a saving of about $40 a year.

For more information, head to the Sydney Water website.