A web-based survey was recently undertaken as a key part of the community consultation during the development of the Pittwater Community Water Conservation Plan. The survey enabled residents to have their say about water conservation issues and provide input into the Plan.

Community participation was strong, with 255 people from a range of key demographics completing the survey.
The survey findings are summarised below.

1. The importance of water conservation

People are concerned about water conservation. Most people believe they can do more to save water in their own homes, and that individuals can make a difference.

2. Knowing how to save water

Most people think that people don't know enough about how to save water.

3. Saving water in the home

Most people said there is more they can do to save water in their homes. People who rent their homes tend to think there is more they could do to save water than people who own their homes.

People are almost equally divided about whether they think education or laws are more effective in getting people to save water.

4. Cost of water

Most people believe water is too cheap, but most people are not willing to pay more for water.
People living in units are less willing to pay more for water than people living in houses.

5. Who is responsible for saving water?

People believe that saving water is the shared responsibility of households, industry/businesses and government.
However, they believe that industry/businesses should be doing the most and that government should take more of a leadership role.

6. Knowledge of household water usage

People think that they are aware of their daily water usage and don't believe that it is high, but most people can't specify their daily water use.

A large proportion of people incorrectly believe the garden to be the smallest user of water in a typical household. Most people correctly identified the bathroom as the biggest user of water in the average household.

7. Household water conservation items & behaviours

Survey respondents had a similar or greater level of household water saving items (e.g dual flush toilets, reduced flow shower heads) compared to the Australian average.

People renting their home or living in a unit tend to have fewer water saving items than people who own their home or live in a house. The vast majority of people with gardens take water conservation measures in their garden e.g drought resistance plants, drip irrigation.

The vast majority of people are taking one or more steps to conserve water in day to day life (e.g full loads when washing clothes, turning off dripping taps etc).

8. Preferences for water efficiency and water saving options for Pittwater

Most people view education, awareness raising, incentives/rebates for water saving devices and water usage restriction as very important. Increased water prices are the least popular measure.

9. Preferences for alternative sources of water for Pittwater

The majority of people think that all the alternative water source options (apart from greywater) are very important.
Recycled water schemes for parks, industry or new housing developments rated the highest. There was lower support for greywater reuse.

10. General Comments

Respondents were giving the opportunity to make suggestions on ways to conserve water. Some comments are included below:

• "If every household had a rainwater tank and saved 40% water, then Warragamba Dam would be full in no time."
• "We need to publicise what the water use is currently and set some targets so people notice any improvement."
• "Use more local native plants, and alternatives to lawns."
• "Development applications should specify any building renovation require water savings."
• "More shower timers!"