Hunter Water has expanded its Love Water Grants program this year to provide support for groups, businesses and organisations impacted by COVID-19.
The funding of water conservation and environmental initiatives continues to be a focus of the $160,000 program, but this year the scope has been widened to include the categories of customer hardship and economic stimulus. Groups are able to apply for up to $10,000.
Related: Lower Hunter water restrictions lifted but community urged to keep up conservation
Hunter Water managing director Darren Cleary said community projects funded by the grants helped spread the value of saving water and making smart choices.
"Our community has used 15 per cent less water than we expected over the past year, which is equivalent to saving the water use of 52,000 households," he said. "This is an outstanding result and shows how everyday behaviours and changes, whether big or small, make a difference.
"This includes water efficiency and sustainability initiatives implemented as a result of our grants program. It's helping our community make smart water choices and it's bringing us together.
Applications for round one close on October 24. Round two of the program opens in February.
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