Gippsland Water customers are encouraged to register for a free water saving showerhead in the third round of Gippsland Water's showerhead exchange program.

More than 1,000 water efficient showerheads have been given away to customers across the Gippsland Water service area during the first two rounds of the exchange program since its implementation in November 2006.

Gippsland Water's managing director John Mitchell said the water efficient showerheads are one of the most cheapest and most effective ways to cut household water use, with each showerhead potentially saving up to 20,000 litres per year.

"With Permanent Water Saving Rules currently in place for most of Gippsland Water's service area, and Stage Two and Stage Four Water Restrictions applying in key towns including Coongulla, Glenmaggie, Boisdale, Maffra and Stratford, Gippsland Water encourages all customers to take advantage of this great program and save water wherever possible," Mr Mitchell said.

"Not only do the showerheads save water, but they also help cut greenhouse gas emissions, and have the potential to save up to $60 a year on energy bills."

For a chance to receive a water saving showerhead, customers should contact Gippsland Water on FREECALL 1800 066 401. Gippsland Water will also be hosting a number of events throughout National Water Week in October, where customers can also register for the program. Registrations for the program close on 31 October 2007.

Gippsland Water customers are also being urged to take advantage of the Victorian Government's Water Smart Gardens and Home Rebate Scheme. Customers who purchase a water efficient showerhead or other water saving products may be eligible to claim a rebate.

Customers registering for a free showerhead must be connected to a reticulated water system to be eligible, and the showerheads are not compatible with gravity-fed hot water systems. Approved customers will be provided with a new water saving showerhead in exchange for their old showerhead at exchange sessions across the service area in November.

The Showerhead Exchange Program is being rolled out across the state in a $6.5 million Victorian Government initiative to distribute the showerheads through a range of programs.

For more information, please visit www.gippswater.com.au or contact Gippsland Water's Service Centre on FREECALL 1800 066 401.

28 September 2007.