NEW NATIONAL CAR WASH WATER SAVER RATING SCHEME COULD SAVE 15 MILLION LITRES OF WATER PER WEEK
18 October 2005
From the Australian Car Wash Association
Save water and the environment by using a Water Saver Car Wash
Today, the Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) launched an innovative national water rating scheme that helps consumers identify water efficient car wash facilities – with the potential to save approximately 15 million litres of water per week across the nation.
The new rating system measures and advertises the amount of drinking water used by a participating commercial car wash - with water efficient car washes receiving a star rating ranging from one star to five stars. Participating car washes across Australia will display their star rating - to help consumers identify the amount of drinking water used in each wash.
“Australians are becoming more aware of the need to save our precious water resources, and the Car Wash Water Saver Rating Scheme enables people to choose a car wash that uses less of our valuable water supplies,” says Geoff Logie-Smith from ACWA.
“This Scheme will allow the community to make a more informed choice. It enables consumers to actively choose to use less water to wash their cars simply by choosing a water wise car wash,” says Geoff. “If 25 per cent of car owners in Australia washed their cars ten times per year at a participating four or five star car wash, then approximately 15 million litres of water could be saved per week.”
“All participating car wash businesses will also comply with EPA regulations for trade waste, meaning wash water does not end up polluting our precious waterways.”
“Australia-wide, we are all faced with water shortages. However, everyone can play a role in conserving water by reducing their water use. The Car Wash Water Saver Rating Scheme is an important initiative by the car wash industry that has the potential to save a significant amount of water and protect our waterways,” says Dennis Cavagna, Managing Director of South East Water and spokesperson for the Smart Water Fund.
“The Victorian Government has a target to reduce water use by 15 per cent by 2010 and this initiative will play a valuable role in helping us all reach this target.”
“I look forward to seeing car wash businesses across Victoria and the nation actively participate in this scheme and encourage the community to look out for the star rating signage next time they are looking to wash their car”, Mr Cavagna added.
“This scheme will provide a powerful incentive for car wash operators to improve the water efficiency of their operations. The scheme will also support car wash operators who want to learn more about how to reduce their overall water consumption,” continued Mr Logie-Smith.
Developed and trialled in Melbourne, The Car Wash Water Saver Scheme has been supported by a Smart Water Fund grant to assist with its development and implementation. The Smart Water Fund is an initiative by Melbourne’s metropolitan water businesses, City West Water, Melbourne Water, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water, together with the Victorian Government.