Page 4802 - Week 15 - Thursday, 16 December 1993

Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .


MINISTER FOR URBAN SERVICES

LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY QUESTION

QUESTION NO 1113

Water Usage - Meter-Beater Trials

Mr Cornwell - asked the Minister for Urban Services:

In relation to the recent ACTEW suggestion that people be charged for the amount of water used as a means of controlling usage -

(1) What is the current situation with the Meter-Beater fixtures trial in six ACT Housing Trust properties at Gordon.

(2) Has a similar Meter-Beater trial been undertaken by ACTEW, and if so, what were the results and if not, why not.

Mr Connolly - the answer to the Members question is as follows:

(1) The ACT Housing Trust installed meter-beaters in three similar houses in

Gordon in September 1992. Water consumption for these three houses is

currently being monitored and compared to six houses in Gordon and Banks of

similar design, built by the same builder, and with normal taps. Other factors

affecting comparative water consumption, such as house occupancy numbers,

usage patterns, area and type of gardens, etc, are yet to be evaluated. The trial

to date has proved inconclusive due to insufficient monitoring time (Nov. 92 -

May 93 ) and the other factors that have a bearing on consumption as

mentioned above. The trial is continuing with a monitoring period of

12 months. This will take into account other relevant factors, and the results

will be used to evaluate the performance of the meter-beaters with regard to

water conservation.

(2) Meter-Beaters have been installed by ACTEW in its energy efficient house in Banks which was opened in January 1993. The house has been exhibited at weekends as a means of providing a practical demonstration to Canberrans on ways of making their houses more energy and water efficient. The house is to be sold shortly and trials on consumption carried out.

4802


Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .