Demand management

As part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) Water Strategy, a number of initiatives are underway to reduce the demand on the region's water supplies. The aim is for residents, business, industry and government to use and manage water supplies efficiently into the future. The Commission's work in demand management includes:

• setting and following water conservation measures
• encouraging water efficient practices
• improving regulation to ensure SEQ's buildings are water efficient.

Permanent Water Conservation Measures

Permanent water conservation measures are in place in SEQ to encourage water efficiency in households and businesses

Water Efficiency Management Plans (WEMPs)

Industry and businesses which use more than 10 million litres of water per year, and specified business types such as nurseries and public swimming pools, are required to implement a WEMP. Read more about WEMPs.

Structural water efficiency

A range of legislation has been put in place to make sure new and renovated buildings are water efficient. Some of these include:

• Queensland Development Code – MP 4.1 Sustainable Buildings: all new domestic dwellings require a water-efficient shower hose, toilet and tapware in the laundry, kitchen and basins. This requirement also applies to renovations in existing domestic dwellings where a development and plumbing approval are required.
• Queensland Development Code – MP 4.2 Water Savings Targets: all new domestic dwellings in SEQ connected to town water supply must achieve water saving target of 70 kL/annum via the use of a rainwater tank, grey water treatment plant, another alternative water substitution measure or a combination.
• Queensland Development Code – MP 4.3 Alternative Water Sources – Commercial Buildings: any new commercial building supplied with town water must have an alternative water source (eg rainwater tank) to provide for suitable uses (ie toilet flushing, irrigation, air conditioning, refrigeration and fire fighting).
• Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code: all new premises that can be metered must have a meter installed. This includes units in a community title development.