News and Information
SA Water Restrictions Changes
Level 3 water restrictions will be replaced by the "water wise" regime on 30 November 2010. Under the new regime MTA SA members will no longer need a Water Restriction Permit to wash vehicles.
Vehicle washing should continue to be conducted with a high pressure low volume trigger nozzle. Although water restrictions have changed, there is still the need to conserve the valuable resource. Public opinion will not favour businesses obviously wasting water and cost savings alone should be incentive enough for businesses to limit water usage.
SA Water will continue to monitor consumption levels and review the measures on an ongoing basis. In the coming month SA Water will post out a letter to all Water Restriction Permit holders to outline the changes.
The new measures are simple and easy to follow. The new water wise regime will mean vehicles can be washed:
- more than once
- using a high pressure low volume trigger nozzle
- at commercial car washes
- using a bucket or watering can
- by a high pressure, low volume water cleaner.
The new regime applies to metropolitan areas, the South East, Kangaroo Island, Whyalla and Port Pirie. However the Eyre Peninsula will remain on Level 3 Enhanced Water Restrictions due to the continued monitoring of the region’s groundwater basins.
For information on managing water consumption download the MTA Environmental Fact Sheet on water at www.mta-sa.asn.au in the members only tab under Environmental Management.
For assistance contact the MTA Environmental Project Officer, Carly Roworth, on 8291 2000 or croworth@mta-sa.asn.au.
Green Stamp Plus Accreditation in South Australia
Level 3 Green Stamp Plus Environmental Accreditation was recently awarded to Chameleon Crash Repairs in South Australia for their best practice environmental management initiatives.
Chameleon Crash Repairs environmental management includes reducing their water consumption by recycling grey water from their portable wash bay.
The grey water recycling system and portable wash bay were purchased using the 5% discount available to MTA SA members from Prestige Wash Systems.
Chameleon Crash Repairs also minimises their greenhouse gas emissions through the use of water based spray paints and recycling paper, cardboard, metal, plastic bumper bars and headlights.
When asked whether they would recommend Green Stamp Plus Accreditation to other MTA members Chameleon Crash owners Rob and Steve said "Yes, if they are concerned about the environment it is great to have the workplace accredited."
"The accreditation process was straight forward to achieve and we were made more aware of environmental risks once our Ecomap was complete," Rob from Chameleon Crash explained.
With help from the MTA Chameleon Crash Repairs set up an environmental management system using Ecomapping to help monitor their progress and maintain an action plan for future improvements.
Chameleon Crash Repairs is one of many motor trade businesses across Australia participating in the Green Stamp Plus Accreditation Program.
To find an accredited business near you click www.greenstampplus.com.au/accreditedBus.html
 Chameleon Crash owners Rob Sharpen and Steven Swan with portable wash bay |
 Water recycling system Chameleon Crash Repairs |