Territorians are being encouraged to check for water leaks before they lead to an unwelcome surprise on their next bill, as Power and Water launches a colourful new Living Water Smart campaign.

The campaign uses a cast of distinctly Territory characters – including Bruno the Buffalo, Bronwyn the Bin Chicken, Marty the Mud Crab, Florence the Fruit Bat and Winona the Wallaby – to show how leaks and inefficient water use can waste water and contribute to a higher bill.

In the feature animation, Bronwyn discovers Bruno happily wallowing in a mud hole created by a leaking irrigation system – followed by the unwelcome surprise of a big water bill.

Power and Water Manager Water Demand Joel Spry said the campaign encourages Territorians to take control of their water use and regularly check for leaks.

‘Leaks aren’t always obvious. A leaking irrigation line or dripping tap can quietly waste water without you realising it,’ he said.

‘If your water use suddenly changes, it’s worth investigating. Finding and fixing a leak early can save water and help avoid an unexpected bill.’

The characters, who might be familiar to some locals, are the work of Darwin illustrator Elle Conway, known as Crafty Conway.

Crafty Conway began illustrating Northern Territory wildlife in 2022. Her distinct creations are inspired by the wild, wacky and colourful characters that come with living in the tropics.

‘I've always imagined my characters vividly, so seeing them brought to life through animation for this campaign has been really exciting,’ Elle said.

‘My creations are designed to bring a smile to people's faces, and it's great to think they'll now also play a role in educating the community about ways to save water.’

Finding way to make an everyday issue such as checking for leaks memorable and engaging was a priority when developing this campaign.

‘These characters give us a fun, recognisably Territory way to talk about water use and connect with a broader audience,’ Joel said.

‘Whether your water use has gone a bit feral, your bill is making you crabby or you’re feeling like a bit of a wally, Living Water Smart can help.’

Living Water Smart provides Territorians with practical water-saving tips and advice to help households understand and take control of their water use.

Territorians can start finding ways to save water today at livingwatersmart.com.au.

ENDS

Background

Living Water Smart is a Power and Water initiative focused on enabling Territorians to take control of their water use.

The new campaign features Crafty Conway’s Territory wildlife characters across animation and campaign materials, using humour and familiar local personalities to make water-saving advice engaging and accessible.

The campaign directs customers to livingwatersmart.com.au for practical water-saving tips and advice.