Gippsland Water is encouraging its customers and stakeholders to apply for a Smart Water Fund grant to develop innovative water conservation, water recycling or biosolids management initiatives.

“With increasing pressure on water supplies, there is an ongoing need to find innovative ways to be smarter with our water use,” Gippsland Water managing director David Mawer said.

“The Smart Water Fund supports innovative projects that will help address the challenges posed by drought and climate change to our urban water resources.

“By focusing on new or previously unexplored ideas, the fund aims to generate knowledge that can then be used by the whole community to improve water sustainability.”

The Smart Water Fund has already provided $28 million in grant funding to 170 projects across Victoria since 2002.

Application packs for round seven funding can be downloaded from the Smart Water Fund website at www.smartwater.com.au.

Applications close on 20 November 2009. For further information applicants can contact the Smart Water Fund by telephoning freecall 1800 882 432, or emailing info@smartwater.com.au.