Saving Water in Business and Industry

From 30 March 2009, the Queensland Water Commission (QWC) has put in place medium level water restrictions that affect non-residential customers of Sunshine Coast Water.

The restrictions are summarised below, and the full details can be viewed on the QWC website.

Non-residential customers using more than 10 ML per year

Non-residential customers that use in excess of 10 megalitres (ML) each year, or have a cooling tower, or operate a nursery, turf farm or market garden must complete a Water Efficiency Management Plan (WEMP). Plans must be submitted to council for approval before 30 November 2009.

Businesses must also install sub-meters and monitor processes and equipment that use a significant portion of the site’s water. Quarterly reports must be provided to council on progress in implementing WEMP water saving projects.

Non-residential customers using between 1 ML and 10 ML per year

Non-residential customers that use between 1 ML and 10 ML per year are required to retrofit their premises with water efficient devices, including low-flow shower roses, tap aerators etc before 31 March 2010.

Pools and spas at all non-residential premises

New and renovated pools and spas

No restriction applies to the filling of new and renovated swimming pools under medium level water restrictions. Once the pool is filled it becomes an “existing swimming pool or spa”.

Existing pools or spas

Businesses can only use town water to top up the water level when a number of conditions have been met.

A written log must be kept to track water usage and used to help identify leaks.
Where leaks are identified, they are rectified.
The premises has a rainwater tank or a downpipe water diverter installed and connected to the swimming pool or spa.
All available water is used from the rainwater tank or downpipe rainwater diverter for topping up the swimming pool or spa before any town water is used.
The premises also complies with the following measures:
- All showerheads and taps in the common areas and public amenities areas on the premises are water efficient.
- A “clear view” screen is installed on the backwash outlet line of the swimming pool or spa.
- A sub-meter is installed by a licensed plumber to the pool or spa make-up water supply line.

The above measures must be completed before 31 March 2010.

Accommodation providers

Accommodation providers must clearly display information about water conservation for their guests:

in every bathroom within the accommodation unit on the premises
in every shared bathing facility or ablution block on the premises.

The QWC will make available pamphlets and signage via the council before 30 October 2009. The QWC website contains further information.

Commercial cleaning

Commercial cleaners involved in washing vehicles, pets or external surfaces of buildings are required to undertake water efficiency training, be registered as a “water efficient operator” and operate in accordance with QWC guidelines.

Sporting fields

Active playing surfaces that meet the QWC requirements and are registered with council may irrigate using their volume limit issued by council. Clubs must:

install a sub-meter
keep a log book
irrigate only at specified times
use alternative water sources when available.

Registration commences 30 March 2009. The QWC website contains further information.

Compliance with restrictions

Businesses must deomonstrate compliance with the above restrictions in the following ways:

Non-residential customers using in excess of 10 ML per day must submit their WEMP as required before 30 November 2009.
Other non-residential customers must send a certificate signed by a licensed plumber certifying that the premises meets the requirements of the restrictions above to council, or alternatively, a statutory declaration (signed by owner/delegate) that declares that the premises meets the requirements of the restriction before 31 March 2010.