South Water Water is taking new applications for its successful Water-Saving Community Fund to help support local projects with water-saving initiatives.
The £75,000-a-year fund is designed to help community groups and registered non-profit organisations who can provide a benefit to the community by saving tap water and demonstrating a reduction in water use.
Last year, South West Water funded 22 projects which contributed to a combined estimated yearly saving of 59 million litres of water.
Jo Ecroyd, South West Water’s Customer Service Director, said: "In recent weeks we have seen demand for tap water rocket. Meanwhile, our reservoir levels are lower than usual for this time of year as a result of the long period of unprecedented hot and dry weather.
“Now, more than ever, we need everyone’s help to save water where they can so we can keep the taps flowing.
“That’s why we’re thrilled to be taking applications for this year's Water-Saving Community Fund to support projects big and small."
Projects in Devon to have already benefitted from the fund are Devon Wildlife Trust, Heathfield Allotment Trust, and Mary Tavy Victoria Memorial Recreation Ground Trust.
Helping projects big and small
Every year the population grows and the demand for tap water increases. Many think it rains all the time and don’t realise that tap water is a precious and limited resource.
Jo said: "South West Water has always been passionate about conserving supplies for people and the environment today, and future generations.
"We can’t do it alone, we need everyone to play their part to help save tap water and avoid waste. We’re always looking at new and innovative ways to get our customers and communities involved in water conservation, which is why we’ve set up the Water-Saving Community Fund.
We’re keen to help projects big and small, like rainwater-flushing public loos, drought tolerant gardens, water butts in community allotments, educational displays in schools, or harnessing new technology to change behaviour towards water use."
How does the funding work?
Community groups can apply for up to £1,000 in funding while registered non-profit organisations can apply for funding up to £30,000, with applications being reviewed by a dedicated judging panel of independent water industry experts.
The project must save tap water and reflect a reduction in water use and a real benefit to the community.
£0 - £1,000
For this level of funding, projects can be submitted by local community groups.
£1,000 - £10,000
For this level of funding, projects must meet the funding criteria outlined above and be registered organisations.
£10,000 - £30,000
For this level of funding, projects must meet the funding criteria, be a registered organisation and demonstrate an innovative approach to water efficiency, and/or significantly benefit the community.
Who can apply?
Organisations eligible for funding for over £1,000 include schools, colleges or academies; voluntary or community organisations; registered charities; constituted groups or clubs; not-for-profit companies or community interest companies.
Funding under £1,000 is available for local community groups such as cricket clubs, allotment groups, scout groups, and garden clubs.
The money can be put towards equipment hire and purchase; building materials; skills and training; employee salaries for the time dedicated to working directly on the project; and professional fees, like builders, groundworkers or an interpretation design agency.
Applications can be submitted all year round with funding awarded to successful projects every quarter.
Find out more?
For further information about the Water-Saving Community Fund, email myuse@southwestwater.co.uk or see the South West Water website. Click here for loads of easy water-saving tips from South West Water.
