[Greens-Media] WA Greens call for roll-out of leak detection technology

[Richards, Kirsten]

WA Greens Water Spokesperson Alison Xamon MLC has applauded the Water Corporation's use of a data logger to identify a major leak in Claremont but says the incident shows that a lot more water may be being wasted.

"It's fantastic that the Water Corporation has saved tens of millions of litres of water through finding and fixing just one leak," Ms Xamon said.

"What this tells us, however, is that across Perth, and in the regions, a lot more water may be being lost, due to ageing pipes and in most areas, an absence of any leak detection technology.

"We have heard that data loggers, in other words, smart water meters, have reduced total water use by 12 per cent in Kalgoorlie since a trial began.

"The water savings that occurred resulted mainly from leaks in household pipes being identified and fixed, thus saving customers water and money.

"The Greens want to see the Barnett Government pushing the smart water meter agenda much harder. Along with Kalgoorlie, smart water meters are now being trialled in the Pilbara but I see no reason for not also running a trial in Perth.

"In addition, the Greens would like to see the Barnett Government expand upon the Water Corporation's water pressure reduction trials, which were very successful in Waterford, Shelley and Rossmoyne in 2008-2009 - saving between 13 and 19 per cent of total water use - and which according to surveys conducted throughout, were broadly supported by residents in those suburbs."