Effect of rebate scheme and water restrictions on rainwater tank uptake rate and their impact on water demand : a review of demand management strategies undertaken by Gosford City Council

With the increasing population in urban areas driving higher demands on an already limited resource, demand management is crucial to ensure the long-term security of water supply. Gosford City Council undertook a series of demand management strategies that resulted in a 36% reduction in total demand from 301L/capita/d to 193L/capita/d over the period 2001 to 2008. This reduction appears to be mainly driven by the increasingly severe levels of water restrictions imposed on the householders; however, restrictions appear to have been partially offset by the uptake of rainwater tanks by the householders, and potable water savings were obtained in part by the uptake of water-saving (REFIT) devices such as low-flow shower roses. A household survey, undertaken as part of this study, provided insight into rainwater tank installation and water usage behaviours in the home and is discussed alongside the Council's rebate and REFIT kit uptake records.