Water conservation remains a paramount concern for Australians, especially those who live in strata communities. Sustainability is an increasingly hot topic, as seen by the rise in strata community gardens. Fortunately, Sydney Water has a program called WaterFix that aims to help people save water, reduce their water bills, and improve their quality of life. Here are some things you need to know about WaterFix.
What is WaterFix?
WaterFix is a program offered by Sydney Water that helps customers save water by fixing leaks, replacing old appliances, and providing other water-saving solutions. This program is available to all Sydney Water customers, including those who live in strata communities. The key aspect of this program is the reduced fees that are charged. For example, there is now a $33 standard call-out fee rather than the usual $60.
How does WaterFix work?
WaterFix works by sending a licensed plumber to your property to assess your water usage and identify any leaks or inefficient appliances. The plumber will then fix any leaks, install water-efficient appliances, and provide advice on how to save water in the future. Customers are charged a fee for this service, but savings on their water bills usually offset the cost. Plus, as we mentioned, the fees are lower than standard plumber fees.
What are the benefits of WaterFix?
There are several benefits to participating in WaterFix. Most importantly, it can help you save water and reduce your water bills. Additionally, fixing leaks and upgrading appliances can improve the overall quality of life in your strata community by reducing water damage and the need for costly repairs. In this instance, all lot owners contributing strata fees can potentially save money.
Who is eligible for WaterFix?
WaterFix is available to all Sydney Water customers, including those who live in strata communities. However, strata customers may need to obtain approval from their strata management company or Owners Corporation before participating in the program.
How much does WaterFix cost?
The cost of WaterFix varies depending on the services provided and the size of your property. However, as we touched on before, the cost is usually offset by the savings on your water bills. Sydney Water also offers payment plans and financial assistance for those in need. In addition, there are discounted first call-out fees for eligible pension holders, down from $33 to $11.
How to access WaterFix in a strata environment
Accessing WaterFix in a strata environment is now easier than ever, thanks to recent changes in NSW legislation. Under the new laws, strata communities only need a simple majority vote of over 50% to implement sustainability upgrades such as WaterFix. If you reside in a strata community and are interested in accessing WaterFix, you can do so by discussing the benefits with your fellow residents and organising a vote at a General Meeting. By accessing WaterFix, you can reduce your water usage, lower your bills and help the environment.
Looking for reliable strata management services?
More Than Strata specialises in strata management and provides a range of services to help strata communities manage their properties. We’ll help you navigate the process of participating in WaterFix and monitor progress to ensure all interested participants can access these services. Contact More Than Strata to learn more about how to get involved in this program and start saving water today.