Smart monitoring helps tram network cut water use by 70%

Yarra Trams cut water use at its New Preston Depot by almost 70%, saving 6.6 million litres of water a year, enough to fill 20 E-class trams after joining the WaterSmart program.

The savings come after Yarra Valley Water installed data loggers at the depot as part of the Victorian Government’s program. The depot services Melbourne’s E-class trams and includes automated wash facilities.

The smart loggers detected unusually high water use between 4 and 5 am, which was traced to the tram wash backflush, the system that keeps the wash clean. By reducing the backflush cycle to 15 minutes, Yarra Trams is saving 18,200 litres per day without affecting cleaning standards.

“The data logger at New Preston helped us reduce water used by our tram wash by almost 70% — helping us deliver on our commitment to sustainability and reduce our environmental impact,” said Yarra Trams’ Environment Manager Renée Karlson.

Yarra Valley Water General Manager Retail Services Lisa Anelli said the results show the value of the WaterSmart program.

“Melbourne’s water storages have now dropped below 68%, due to prolonged hot, dry conditions, so it’s crucial we take every step we can to conserve water,” she said.

“Yarra Trams shows how a small operational change, backed by good data, can deliver significant savings. Programs like WaterSmart give businesses a clear picture on how water is being used and where efficiencies can be found — saving money and helping protect precious water supplies.”

The WaterSmart program is funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by the water corporations. It supports high water users in industries that provide vital services to the community, such as health care, aged care, councils, sporting facilities and some industrial sites, to save water and money.

On average, participants save around $900 a year by fixing leaks, upgrading equipment or changing how water is used.

Image: Supplied