The Swimming Pool and Spa Association
of Victoria (SPASA) has urged all
existing pool owners to maximize their
water conservation plans as Victoria
goes into Stage 3 water restrictions.
SPASA's General Manager, Mr. Brendan
Watkins said, "The industry has taken
positive steps to obtain access to
groundwater to protect employment
in Victoria's swimming pool and spa
industry."
The swimming pool industry employs around
10,000 people and contributes approximately
$750 million a year to the Victorian
economy.
"There are in excess of several hundred
registered businesses in Victoria
whose primary income is from the swimming
pool industry ranging from large manufacturers
to small one-person service organisations".
"We are very concerned about the
plight of many of the smaller family-operated
businesses."
Mr Watkins said that under the SPASA
plan "we are establishing an industry
'safety-net groundwater supply' with
water being transported to fill new
pools and top-up tanks at a cost of
between $1000 to $2000 a pool, depending
on the distance the water is to be
transported."
SPASA for over two years has been
working closely with the Government
and water authorities, who are aware
of the major employment and economic
impact on the State and the move to
Stage 3 restrictions will cause without
an alternative groundwater supply.
"The economic impact on the industry
could last for several years as there
could be a loss to the skill-base,
and manufacturing companies based
in Victoria who export would become
significantly non-competitive as they
are underpinned by local economic
activity."
Mr Watkins said swimming pools are
a minor user of water, accounting
for an estimated .002% of usage -
through conservation plans implemented
by owners pools can become water neutral
as the water is continually recycled.
SPASA will be extending its water
conservation program to all pool owners
and will be directly promoting water
saving devices that allowed rain harvesting
from roofs, and water management practices
to maximize water saving.
"The ongoing climate change conditions
have been on the SPASA agenda for
some time and with Stage 3 water restrictions
will a be difficult time for the community
and means all industries will need
to assess their water use", Mr Watkins
said.
The organisation has released water
conservation advice on its website
www.spasavic.com.au
