Griffith University’s Smart Water Research Centre is involved in a study to find out how Gold Coast residents want to use and pay for water.

Funded by the City of Gold Coast (City), the Riverstone Crossing Water Conservation Research Project is a joint effort between Gold Coast Water, Stocklands and Griffith’s Smart Water Research Centre.

According to Director Gold Coast Water, Mr Paul Heaton, the study will investigate ratepayers’ preferences when it comes to paying for water usage.

One aspect of the study will be to conduct a telephone survey in which residents will be asked about their attitudes and opinions on residential water and sewerage tariffs.

“This will be a critical step in consulting the community on how they value water and providing residents with a say in what their water bill will look like in the future,” Mr Heaton said.

Dr Cara Beal, project manager and researcher at the Smart Water Research Centre said the study would also reveal the value residents place on water.

“Some may wish to pay extra for water if it means they can keep their lawns watered during the dry seasons, whereas others may prefer to keep their water costs down regardless of how their garden is looking,” Dr Beal said.

The research will also track how different families use water at different times of the day and could lead to recommendations for saving water and money.

The project, which will take 18 months to complete, will ultimately deliver to the City recommendations for water tariff reform, and the opportunity to balance the need for water conservation with the preferences of consumers.