Leak Checkers from Power and Water’s Living Water Smart team are in Katherine this week to check on the status of the hundreds of water leaks that were identified in homes and businesses in August.

The Community Leak Program in August identified 400 potential leaks in Katherine homes, uncovering a phenomenal 92 million litres of leaking water. Already, 77 properties have taken advantage of a $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate to repair leaks, but there is more work to be done and residents are being encouraged to access this program and fix their leaks.

Toni Tapp Coutts, Alderman of Katherine Town Council and long-term Katherine resident says Katherine residents need to continue to band together to reduce water use.

“Power and Water’s demand management program is a very good exercise for Katherine residents to be mindful about how they use water and how water is easily wasted.I encourage the community to continue to band together and work with the Living Water Smart leak checkers to reduce demand so we can secure our water supply.”

Senior Manager of Power and Water’s Client Services Jacqui O’Neill is pleased with how the Katherine community has become more water efficient since the introduction of the Community Leak Program, but is also concerned about the amount of water still being wasted through leaks.

“In August we found more leaks than expected. Around one in four homes had a leak, with the average leak being 230,000 litres per year - the same as tipping 958 wheelie bins of water down the drain.”

During ‘Leak Week’ our leak checkers will re-visit the homes where leaks were found to confirm if the leak has been fixed, increased in size, and to update our findings from August.

“We have also noticed that on some days in the last few weeks water demand in Katherine has increased, so it is important that leaks are fixed as soon as possible.Thank you to the Katherine community who have already shown their commitment to save water. We all need to continue work together, as the more water we save, the less stress there is on our water supply,” said Ms O’Neill.

If leaks are still found at properties, leak checkers will leave a reminder card in the mailbox and details about the $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate that is available through local plumbers registered with the program.

Keep an eye out for our friendly leak checkers on the street and feel free to ask them more about the Leak Program and rebate.

The Living Water Smart team will also be visiting some larger businesses and organisations where leaks were identified and helping them with their water management plans.

For a list of registered plumbers and their contact details or to find out more about the Community Leak Program please go to livingwatersmart.com.au/katherine.

If you are a plumber based in the Katherine region and would like to find out more or register with Living Water Smart call (08) 8995 5861 or email info@livingwatersmart.com.au.