Stick your savings where they count! In the tank. The water tank that is.

12.02. 2009

Working to improve efficiencies in the use and collection of water is one of the easiest and most effective ways of reducing the negative impact you have on the planet.

Achievements can be on a small scale (the savings you make by turning the tap off while you clean your teeth) or a big scale (installing water efficient shower heads at home), but if you really want your savings to add up, actively support group initiatives such as the Australian Governments Water for the Future program.

Under this programs national rainwater and grey water funding initiative, every surf club in Australia is eligible to apply for up to $10,000 to help with the installation of water saving and water efficient devices.

Seriously?
Abolutely. The grants are available for the installation of water saving/efficiency devices in surf life saving club premises owned, leased or permanently occupied by the club, and will be administered via SLSAs Ecosurf program.

Applications can be lodged via the Ecosurf website from 18 December 2009 for works to be completed by May 2010.

The Ecosurf site has been designed so that clubs can progressively update their draft application, submit their finished application and track its progress online.

Our club already has tanks or Our club is new 
Even if your club is ahead of the pack and has already installed water saving devices or tanks, theres bound to be more that you can do.

How do we start?
A water efficiency audit will help your club identify site specific opportunities for water saving, collection and recycling and will provide guidance about the changes you can implement eligible for funding as part of this grant process, as well as providing valuable information for future planning.

Preferred supplier
SLSA is investigating the feasibility of appointing a national preferred supplier for water audits so that we can develop a comprehensive database that will map current and potential water capture, recycling and reuse at Surf Life Saving Clubs around Australia.

This will also mean that clubs will get a high quality audit, capped at $500 (single audits may cost clubs up to $1,000 each) and will include a water assessment/audit report for the club as well as a strategy document for the club premises.

SLSA and DEWHA believe that there is great merit is auditing all clubs, even those who already have obvious water saving devices such as tanks, push button taps and water efficient showers installed as it will help to provide advice on other eligible alternatives for water saving under the grant scheme.

How do I find out whats happening?
First up, ask your patrol captain whats happening at your club and check out the Ecosurf website.

You can subscribe to receive this free newsletter there too and join the Ecosurf online discussion group so you can throw your own ideas into the Ecosurf hat.