Victoria's Minister for Water, John Thwaites, today visited GM Holden's Engine Operations plant in Melbourne to see some the company's water saving initiatives.

GM Holden is seen by the Victorian government as an example of how industry in Melbourne is reducing its water use as part of Melbourne's Pathway to Sustainability Top 200 water users program.

Holden has introduced a number of water saving initiatives over last decade primarily aimed at reducing water consumption in its engine production area. The results have seen the total water consumed per engine produced drop by almost 30 per cent, from 930 litres per engine to 663 litres per engine between 2002 and 2006.

New ways to find further savings are continually being investigated with the annual drop in 2007 currently standing at a further 12 per cent reduction in water usage to 582 litres per engine.

Working in collaboration with South East Water, GM Holden has recently installed HydroShare, a Smart metering device that provides instant information on how and where water is used within its manufacturing plant.

Hydroshare monitors water use in 'real time', meaning that water leaks can be identified immediately and repaired, cutting water wastage.

Rod Keane, Executive Director of Manufacturing for GM Holden, said, "As a major Victorian manufacturing facility, GM Holden has long been aware of our responsibility to use water wisely.

"Over the past decade we have continually sought ways to improve our water usage and prevent wastage. Initiatives such as annual inspections for leaks in our underground water distribution system by ultra sonic testing has resulted in 100,000 litres of saving alone.

"Our water consumption based on litres used per engine produced has reduced consistently over the last six years, as has our overall consumption at the Port Melbourne Site. The current target is a further five per cent reduction in overall consumption in 2007."

Among other major water saving initiatives taking place at GM Holden is a program to ensure efficient use of water in cooling towers.

Cooling towers are individually fitted with water meters. Data is recorded and tracked on a weekly basis and then compared against total water usage and production numbers.

GM Holden is also working in conjunction with South East Water Ltd to investigate the recycling options of trade waste.

South East Water Managing Director, Dennis Cavagna, adds, "GM Holden is fully aware of its responsibility to use water wisely and South East Water has worked closely with the Company to develop a water management plan that is a blueprint of efficient water use.

"For over four years we have assisted with water monitoring and analyses to reduce GM Holden's water consumption, which has resulted in significant savings in its engine plant."