The campaign to reduce water usage in the Douglas region is working, according to Council's general manager of Water and Waste, Bruce Gardiner.

While the Council has come under fire for the cost of the Division 10 water management initiatives (estimated $7.6 million by June 30 2012), Mr Gardiner said the measures put in place to date are already showing their effectiveness.

"There have been a number of savings as a result of the program including a 7% reduction in leakage from the pipe network and nearly 1,000 customers taking up the home waterwise service which provided water efficient showers, tap aerators and identified any leaks for the owner to repair.

"This was an amazing uptake by the residents and will result in significant water savings and cost savings to customers."

Mr Gardiner confirmed that water pressure reduction and additional aeration has been implemented in Port Douglas in an effort to preserve water.

"As per the advertised program, pressure management will be implemented over the next six to twelve months in some areas of Port Douglas.

"Affected customers will be contacted directly prior to any changes being made. This initiative will leave customers with sufficient water pressure to retain current service levels."

Mr Gardiner said that the Rex Creek water supply was in a "good position for this time of year" due to some recent rainfall in the area.

A report to Council noted key achievements to date as the leak detection of 248km of mains with 85% of the identified leaks being repaired. This will result in estimated savings of $157,876, and 26,905kwh/per annum in energy savings. 

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