WaterSmart Gains Traction Amid Water Scarcity Concerns
MELBOURNE — Melbourne businesses are boosting their water efficiency by joining the WaterSmart programme, a sustainability initiative supported by Greater Western Water. The programme, now in its second year, assists companies with high water needs in Melbourne’s north and west by providing tools to monitor and manage water usage effectively.
According to Greater Western Water, over 20 organisations, including Melbourne Zoo and Hume City Council, have already benefited from the programme by installing digital water monitoring systems and conducting water efficiency assessments. The programme aims to reduce water-related costs and improve sustainability practices.
Impact of WaterSmart Across Melbourne
Kessia Thomson, General Manager Strategy and Partnerships at Greater Western Water, emphasised the importance of such initiatives, citing the steepest annual decline in Melbourne’s water storages since the Millennium Drought. Thomson stated that the WaterSmart programme helps businesses identify water usage patterns and improve efficiency, which is crucial for long-term water conservation.
Melbourne Zoo’s Sustainability Representative, Giuseppe Greco, noted that the programme has been instrumental in supporting the zoo’s sustainability goals by enabling real-time water usage tracking and responsive measures to irregularities. The zoo has integrated WaterSmart with environmental sensors to optimise water delivery to its heritage trees, ensuring both conservation and plant health. This integration not only conserves water but also contributes to maintaining the ecological balance within the zoo, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.
This initiative comes amid growing demand for sustainable water management solutions as businesses face increasing environmental challenges. Funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by local water authorities, WaterSmart offers essential support to high water-consuming organisations aiming to reduce their dependence on drinking water supplies. The programme’s success so far has encouraged more businesses to consider joining, as they seek to align with global sustainability trends and ensure operational resilience in the face of water scarcity.
Source: newshub.medianet.com.au
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:44 pm
