Gippsland Water is congratulating the Traralgon Bowls Club for adopting a water conservation plan that will save up to 960,000 litres a year.

The organisation has successfully applied for a Community Water Grant from the Australian Federal Government to assist with the installation of seven rainwater tanks on its property at Liddiard Road in Traralgon.

The tanks collect stormwater from the roof of the Traralgon Bowls Club and its adjoining shed, which is then piped to a sprinkler system used to water the bowling greens.

Greens keeper Andrew Kent said that the water conservation plan has already saved them more than 160,000 litres of water since the tanks were installed five months ago.

"We are operating in accordance with the current water restrictions in using reuse water, and we are working to make sure that we are completely in line with Stage Three Water Restrictions," Mr Kent said.

"Having the tanks allows us to comply fully with Gippsland Water requirements, but also have the flexibility to water at other times. This ensures our greens are maintained in the best possible condition, and the savings mean we can rely entirely on the tanks for now."

With 1,500 bowlers using the greens each year, the award-winning club has spent more than $15,000 in addition to the $42,000 it received from the Australian Government's Community Water Grant to help save more water over the coming months.

Gippsland Water's Chief Executive Officer John Mitchell said that initiatives like these encourage the local community to become aware of other ways to save more water while the current water restrictions are in place.

"Gippsland Water is pleased to see that local sporting clubs are taking a proactive approach to conserving and saving more water, and we encourage other organisations to do the same," Mr Mitchell said.

As its centenary year draws closer, the Traralgon Bowls Club plans to expand its business and water reuse by installing more tanks in the future.

"Other clubs have asked us for advice on how we do things to save water," Traralgon Bowls Club Chairman Austin Gapper said.

"The whole idea is to save water for our greens and to make it sustainable. But you have to be prepared to do your homework. And really, large projects like this would be impossible for most sporting clubs without the support of government grants."

For more information on water conservation, please visit the Gippsland Water website at www.gippswater.com.au or telephone the Gippsland Water Service Centre on 1800 066 401.

6 March 2007