Gippsland Water is encouraging its customers to be more proactive about identifying leaks in their homes to help prevent water wastage and as a consequence a high water bill.

Gippsland Water has a customer service process in place that notifies customers if their meter read is abnormally high, and then works with them to identify possible leaks on their property.

Meter readings are conducted on a routine basis and if an abnormally high spike is identified, customers are sent a letter advising them that their water usage has been exceptionally high and are advised to investigate the possibility of a leak.

Gippsland Water has sent more than 50 letters each month to customers over the last year to assist them to identify water loss and avoid above-average water bills in the future.

A Moe customer was extremely pleased recently when she was notified of a potential leak and was grateful for the efforts of Gippsland Water. After receiving the letter, the customer engaged a plumber who found a significant leak under her bathroom.

Gippsland Water Managing Director David Mawer said that while Gippsland Water has a process in place to help customers identify leaks in their homes, it is also the responsbility of the customer to be proactive.

"All pipes within a property are the responsibility of the customer and there are many things customers can do to check whether their home has a leak," Mr Mawer said.

An overnight meter reading is the best way to help customers identify a leak. This can be completed by recording the meter reading before going to bed at night, and recording it again in the morning. To perform this test accurately, customers should ensure that no taps are turned on during the night. If a leak is detected, customers should engage a plumber to investigate.

Customers can also check whether they have a leak by inspecting the area between the water meter and their house for any lush patches in their lawns or garden, or check the water meter weekly to see if it is spinning erratically which could then be a good indication of a possible leak.

"These simple measures can help customers avoid wasting water and save money in the process. Leaking pipes waste a lot of water, particularly if they are underground and the leak is not noticed. Similarly, a slowly dripping tap can waste around five to 50 litres of water per day.

"Gippsland Water is committed to educating the community about water conservation practices, and we continue to encourage our customers to save and conserve water wherever possible," Mr Mawer concluded.

For more information about water conservation please contact Gippsland Water on FREECALL 1800 066 401 or visit the Gippsland Water website at www.gippswater.com.au.

Pictured: Gippsland Water conducts meter readings on a routine basis, and if an abnormally high spike in water usage is identified, customers are advised to investigate the possibility of a leak.

24 April 2008