Common sense, cost-effective strategies have been applied to CSIRO’s Queensland Centre for Advanced Technology (QCAT), which have achieved a 75 per cent saving in its annual water usage compared to pre-water restriction levels.

“Many of our strategies are similar to those used at home: turning off sprinkler systems, installing water efficient taps and showers as well as recycling water, even in our industrial research, where possible,” says QCAT’s Site Manager, Colin Russell

Not only have they reduced their annual water usage from 60+ ML to 8 ML, but they are saving considerable costs as well. “Money which will go into future water reduction schemes” says Tim McLennan, QCAT Executive Manager.

While the initial cost of installing these water saving devices is high, the money was recovered over a year of implementation.