As part of the South East Queensland Water Strategy, a number of initiatives are underway to reduce the demand on our water supplies. This plan is for residents, business, industry and government to help us create long-term savings. This includes:

• Setting and following water restrictions
• Targeting inefficient, excessive water users and stopping wasteful water practices
• Making real savings for the long-term across business, industry and government
• Fitting water saving appliances and improving regulation to ensure SEQ’s buildings are water efficient.

Water restrictions

Water restrictions are in place in South East Queensland to reduce household and commercial water usage.

Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs)

Industry and businesses which use more than 10 million litres of water per year are required to implement a Water Efficiency Management Plan. Read more about Water Efficiency Management Plans.

Water efficiency and sustainability in new housing

Under the Queensland Development Code, all new houses in South East Queensland must substitute 70,000 litres per year from rain water or local recycling. One option to meet this requirement is to ensure rainwater tanks are used for toilet flushing, laundry and outdoor use.

Dual-pipe systems are being encouraged for new housing and industrial developments so that recycled water can be used for purposes such as toilet flushing. The Sustainable Housing Code will result in new houses using 33 per cent less water by requiring:

• AAA rated shower roses
• Dual flush toilets
• Water pressure limiting devices that restrict maximum water pressure.

Pressure and leakage reduction

Water utilities such as Brisbane Water are reducing the pressure in mains pipes and managing leakage. Read more about pressure and leakage reduction programs.