Nearly four million litres of drinking water have been saved through Barwon Water’s Community Housing Retrofit Program, which upgraded 42 homes owned by Common Equity Housing Limited (CEHL) across the Geelong region.
The initiative forms part of Barwon Water’s long-term commitment to improving water efficiency and supporting vulnerable customers. CEHL provides secure housing to people on low incomes who may struggle to afford market rent, and the retrofit program helps tenants save on bills while reducing water demand.
Small upgrades with big results
Upgrades were completed at properties from Corio to Torquay and Ocean Grove during the 2024–25 financial year. They included installing new taps and fittings, repairing leaking toilet cisterns, replacing showerheads and fixing hidden leaks throughout bathrooms, kitchens and gardens.
Barwon Water General Manager Planning, Delivery and Environment Seamus Butcher said the project demonstrated how small improvements could make a significant impact.
“By installing new taps, fixing leaks or upgrading toilets from single flush to dual flush, the efficiency of properties can be vastly improved,” Butcher said. “We’re committed to supporting our customers, keeping bills affordable and helping them use water sustainably.”
Partnering for long-term impact
The program saved 3.83 million litres of drinking water and reduced tenant water charges by nearly $9,400 in 2024–25. Jointly funded by Barwon Water and the Victorian Government, the free initiative provides plumbing services to repair leaks and replace inefficient fixtures. Funding has now been secured to continue the program through 2025–26.
CEHL Managing Director Liz Thomas said the partnership aligned closely with the organisation’s environmental and social goals.
“This partnership proves that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand,” Thomas said. “By improving water efficiency, we’re not only saving water but also supporting our members financially.”
Barwon Water’s broader efficiency initiatives saved 263 million litres across its service region in 2024–25, with a target of saving an additional one billion litres by 2028.