Help Save Water
This page describes the water saving initiatives currently being undertaken by Porirua City Council.
Demand on the Wellington region’s water supply is increasing. We could build a bigger reservoir at a huge cost to the people of the Wellington region or simply reduce demand for water by limiting wastage.
Dripping taps and leaking toilet cisterns waste hundreds of millions of litres of water a year.
In March 2010, Porirua City decided to help by employing a representative, Austin Roberts, to visit every household in the city, fixing outdoor leaking taps and giving out free washers and easy-to-follow instructions to help residents fix simple leaks in home plumbing.
This programme has already proven its worth. Millions of litres of water have already been saved and the practical advice to city residents has been well received – another example of where the Council and the community are working together to make a positive difference in our city.
We've produced two videos which you can view below to see how to change your leaking tap washer or ball cock washer in your toilet cistern.
Together we can easily save water and keep our water supply secure and affordable!
If you see Austin around Porirua, say hello and tell him what a great job he is doing!
The 6,000,000 litre man
Update: 23 March 2011
Austin has, over the last year, visited about one quarter of the city's homes. He conducts an audit of the household's external plumbing, measures the quantity of any leaks he finds then fixes them. This work alone has saved an estimated 6 million litres of water over the past year, earning him the label "the six million litre man".
As well as fixing the leaks on the outside, Austin frequently spots wasted water from indoor plumbing by observing and measuring leaks on pipes coming from inside the house. His advice to those householders and the distribution of free tap washers to effect simple repairs has potentially saved another 6 million litres.
Links to more information
Porirua City Council links:
YouTube Videos
Instructions on how to fix your leaking toilet cistern (via YouTube, 2.36 mins)
Instructions on how to fix your leaking tap washer (via YouTube, 4.07 mins)