Fraser Coast challenged to turn off taps on ‘Water Night’

Fraser Coast residents are being encouraged to turn off their taps for 12 hours as part of a National Water Week campaign later this month aimed at creating awareness around how and when we use water.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said Fraser Coast Regional Council was supporting the ‘Water Night’ 2021 initiative on Thursday 21 October, which challenges households to survive a night without using their taps and showers.

“Water is a precious resource and is used in so many different ways at home, including drinking, bathing, washing clothes, flushing toilets, watering gardens and filling swimming pools,” he said.

“For Council, providing safe, reliable, efficient water and wastewater services to local residents and businesses is one of our core responsibilities.

“With Hervey Bay and surrounding areas potentially facing level three water restrictions within weeks, ‘Water Night’ is a perfect opportunity to gain a greater awareness of our water use.

“For example, the average Australian turns on their taps at least nine times a day while we use 7.5 litres of water brushing our teeth and 90 litres of water during a 10 minute shower.

“The ‘Water Night’ challenge runs from 12pm to 12am on Thursday 21 October, during which households are encouraged to see if they can avoid using taps and running water.

“The organisers do though encourage households to fill water bottles for drinking and storing them in the fridge before the event starts.

“More information is available at https://waternight.com.au/, including how to get involved, water facts, water saving tips and water night activities.”

Cr Everard said Council encouraged Fraser Coast residents to continue to watch their water use, particularly outdoors, to help slow down the depletion of our dams.

“Every little bit helps and every drop counts. By being water-wise, you not only save water, you also save money on your water bill,” he said.

More information about Fraser Coast’s current level two water restrictions is available at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/water-restrictions