Springhurst residents are using less water per person per day than any other households in the Rural City of Wangaratta so far this spring.

According to North East Water (NEW) weekly water usage figures for the first two weeks of September, daily water use per person averages 199 litres in Springhurst, compared to 205 litres in Wangaratta/Glenrowan, 212.5 litres in Moyhu, 233 litres in Oxley and a whopping 311.5 litres in Whitfield.

In fact, Whitfield's daily average water use per person is the highest across the North East region.

NEW general manager of environmental systems and operations, John Day, said the average daily usage across the region was 202 litres per person.

"While every community depends on water for daily life, the data reveals some towns are using much more than others," he said.

“For example, towns like Whitfield recorded average daily usage of 318 litres per person (second week), while on the lower end, Walwa used just 133 litres per person per day.

“To put that into perspective, the difference between Whitfield and Walwa is equivalent to around six four-minute showers per day.

“This data gives us a great opportunity to reflect on our habits and consider how we can all use water more wisely.”

Mr Day said most of the region’s water storages are now in a much better position compared to earlier this winter, when water restrictions were a real possibility for several towns.

“However, the volume we’re permitted to extract from rivers this summer is lower than previous years," he said.

"This could impact larger towns like Wodonga, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, especially if demand increases during peak periods.

“We’re also closely monitoring Bright, where water usage remains high and the storage is low.

"If consumption doesn’t decrease there, we may need to introduce staged water restrictions there as early as December.”

Weekly water usage statistics are available at www.newater.com.au/usage, while people can find great tips to reduce water consumption at www.waterwise.tips.

NEW is reminding residents and visitors that Permanent Water Saving Rules (PWSR) are in place year-round across Victoria and include:

• Always use a trigger nozzle on your hose.

• Only use watering systems between 6pm and 10am.

• Never hose down concrete paths or driveways.

Weekly water usage statistics are available at www.newater.com.au/usage, while people can find great tips to reduce water consumption at www.waterwise.tips.