FAQs
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What does ACTEW do?
ACTEW is a territory owned corporation whose primary functions are to provide energy, water and wastewater services to the ACT through its 50% ownership of
ActewAGL, ownership of the water and wastewater assets and business, and the contract with ActewAGL for the operation and management of these assets and business.
What services does ActewAGL provide on behalf of ACTEW?
- Water services
- Sewerage services
- Electricity
- Natural gas
- Other renewable energy services such as photovoltaics (ActewAGL Solar)
Why did you establish a joint venture?
In a fast changing world of deregulation, and a national energy market where local markets such as the ACT were opening to competition from a number of companies, ACTEW had to expand its energy businesses and operations. It had to get bigger through acquisition or merger, or it had to be prepared to wither on the vine while other utility companies starved it out of business. With national energy market leader AGL and Singapore Power as joint-venture partners, future risks are shared and our marketing positioning secured. We are pleased to have made this decision and to offer you even better services than before.
Why is ACTEW in charge of water restrictions?
The ACT Government has asked that ACTEW manage water restrictions.
Where can I find out more information about water restrictions?
Click here to look at the water restrictions information on our website.
Where can I access photos of ACTEW’s operations?
You can access photos of ACTEW’s operations, projects and events in our Photo Gallery by
clicking here.
What stage of restrictions currently apply?
Permanent Water Conservation Measures have been in force in the ACT since 1 November 2010. These are mandatory and enforceable. Permanent Water Conservation Measures apply in the ACT at all times when Temporary Water Restrictions are not in force.
What applies under Permanent Water Conservation Measures?
A hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, a bucket or a watering can may now be used to water lawns and plants at any time. Sprinklers and other irrigation systems may be used to water lawns and plants before 9am and after 6pm on any day from 1 September 2010 to 31 May 2011 (inclusive). Full details of the scheme are available by
clicking here.
How will those looking after large, open spaces follow restrictions?
Government and commercial customers, including but not limited to organisations that manage public pools, sports amenities, parks or commercial market gardens, nurseries and turf growing businesses may be required to complete a Water Efficiency Management Plan in order to continue general business operations.
For how long will we be in Permanent Water Conservation Measures?
Long term modelling and forecasts, combined with our current water storages and the assumption that the community’s water use will continue to remain at sustainable, long term levels, mean there should be no return to ‘staged’ water restrictions in the near future.
Does this mean that the region’s water situation is no longer serious?
All indications are that we should expect changeable conditions with long dry periods in the future, to stay. Whilst ACTEW is easing water restrictions, long term, sustainable water use, which is the focus of Permanent Water Conservation Measures, will always be required for our region to have a secure water supply.
Who enforces water restrictions regulations in Queanbeyan?
A service level agreement exists between ACTEW and the Queanbeyan City Council. ACTEW supplies water to Queanbeyan at a bulk price, Queanbeyan City Council then manages the distribution and pricing of water according to its own regulations.
The agreement states that Queanbeyan City Council will mirror current ACT water use regulations. Permanent Water Conservation Measures and any Temporary Water Restrictions will therefore be applied by Queanbeyan City Council as well. For information regarding water management within Queanbeyan, call Queanbeyan City Council on 6298 0233.
Do Permanent Water Conservation Measures apply to the use of rainwater and greywater?
No, Water Conservation measures only apply to the use of potable water (water from the ACTEW mains). To find out more about alternative water sources
click here.
What is drip irrigation?
How can I calculate my average daily water usage?
Reading your water meter is a simple way to get an indication of how much water your household is using. By comparing daily readings taken at the same time each day for a week, you will be able to calculate your average daily water usage. Then see how it compares against the daily targets for this time of year.
What are the best ways to save water inside and outside the home?
There are many ways in which we can all save water inside and outside our homes.
Click here to find a range of tips that are easy to adopt and will soon become life-long habits. Don't forget that many of the measures you put in place at home can be used at school and work as well.
What are ACTEW’s water security projects?
Why is ACTEW continuing with the water security projects when we’re no longer in drought?
Despite the recent rain events the ACT and region have experienced the medium and long term climate outlook for water supply, based on CSIRO climate forecasts, suggests that we are very likely to experience instances of drought conditions similar to the last decade.
We therefore need to continue investing in water security now, despite dam levels being temporarily high, for times when they are not.
When will the water security projects be complete?
Both the Cotter Dam enlargement and the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer are due for completion in 2012. The Tantangara Transfer was completed late 2010 and design of a demonstration water purification plant was completed in 2008.
Who are the Bulk Water Alliance?
What is the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail?
The Cotter Dam Discovery Trail was built in response to feedback from the community and provides the ultimate view of the Cotter Dam enlargement construction works. The attraction includes a 1.4km loop trail which leads you along the Cotter River and through the surrounding natural environment. From the 16-metre wide amphitheatre style viewing platform visitors have direct views to watch construction of the dam.
Click here for further information on the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail or call our community information line on (02) 6248 3563.
How can I stay informed on these projects?
To stay informed on the Enlarged Cotter Dam you can join ACTEW’s Friends of the Cotter community group by
clicking here, phoning (02) 6248 3563 or emailing
watersecurity@actew.com.au You will receive seasonal newsletters via email or post and be first to learn of up and coming events.
Why not
sign up to receive ACTEW’s Current newsletter which is distributed bi-monthly and provides information on all of ACTEW’s activities.
Visit ACTEW’s website, phone our community information line on (02) 6248 3563 or email
watersecurity@actew.com.au
What is the Cotter Dam Education Kit?
ACTEW’s Cotter Dam Education Kit was written by teachers for teachers and includes a range of useful resources in various media formats, such as printed materials, CD ROM and videos. Through the kit local students will learn about the environment and history of the Cotter area and its significance to our city’s water supply.
Click here to learn more about the Cotter Dam Education Kit.
How can I book a Cotter Dam school group tour?
ACTEW offers school group guided tours of the Cotter Dam via the
Cotter Dam Discovery Trail. To book a school group guided tour
click here or call ACTEW’s Education Manager on (02) 6175 2456.