It is the second year that the Katherine Community Leak Program is operating, after last year’s program helped to save 180 million litres of water, equivalent to 750,000 wheelie bins of water.

“With the community’s ongoing help to reduce water use by finding and fixing leaks, we can help keep the tap water safe,” Power and Water’s client services senior manager Kylie Climie said.

“Last year we found 640 leaks in Katherine homes and businesses, with 485 of those fixed, so there is still more work to be done. Around one in four properties had a water leak.

“Leaks can pop up at any time, so even if you fixed a leak last year, it doesn’t mean you’ll be leak-free this year.

“An easy five minute ‘3-Step Leak Check’ can be done by home and business owners at the water meter, and this is essentially what our Leak Checkers will be doing at 2300 homes and businesses over the next three weeks.

Residents and businesses will receive a card in the mailbox or at their business premised indicating whether or not they may have a leak.

If a leak is present, a $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate is still available through six Katherine plumbers who are registered with Living Water Smart to provide services to help locate and fix leaks.

“As the dry season well and truly kicks in we need to continue to manage the amount of water we use and keep it down by around 20%, and we thank the Katherine community for helping to achieve this so far, says Ms Climie.

“Keep an eye out for our team of friendly Leak Checkers on the streets and feel free to stop and say hello, or to ask them anything about water leaks!”

For more information on the Community Leak Program, or to find out about the $200 Leak Find and Fix rebate visit www.livingwatersmart.com.au/katherine.