Lake Mac residents get the drop on water use

Published on 22 March 2023

Lake Macquarie residents are taking heed of the ‘Love Water’ message, using less H2O for showers, pools, gardens and other daily needs than at any other time since 2005.

New Hunter Water data released to coincide with World Water Day reveals per-person water usage has dropped to 165 litres a day across the city – a far cry from the 218-litre peak in 2005.

Daily water use has followed a downward trajectory since a spike in 2017-18, edging toward the target daily use of 155 litres per person.

Hunter Water Managing Director Darren Cleary said water conservation was a key focus of the Lower Hunter Water Security Plan.

“Here in the Hunter, we have a variable climate, which means we can go from our current healthy levels of water storage to empty in just three years,” he said.

“It’s important we continue saving water by making smart water choices around our homes and businesses to ensure a resilient and sustainable water future for our region.”

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said it was heartening to see people taking heed of messaging surrounding water conservation.

“Whether it’s our beaches, the lake or the many creeks and tributaries that run through our city, water is one of the key facets of our wonderful lifestyle in Lake Mac,” she said.

“I’m so glad that Lake Mac residents value that resource and recognise the importance of saving water wherever they can.”

Water storage levels currently sit above 92 per cent in the Hunter, but the dramatic drop during the searing 2019-20 summer drought shows how quickly things can change.

Storage levels fell to 53 per cent in February 2020 – the lowest since February 1981 when they fell to just 30.1 per cent.

“We all need to work hard, keep up the good work and make it to that target of 155 litres per person, per day,” Cr Fraser said.

Go to hunterwater.com.au/smartchoices for more information about how to save water at home.