Cleaner production to drive water efficiency

South East Water Limited (SEWL) commenced the cleaner production program in 2006. The program has allowed SEWL to engage with industrial customers to reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), colour and heavy metals. It has also had the benefit of reducing water consumption. The holistic approach to water saving projects has allowed a better understanding of the actual pay back on projects. In addition to this work, the Smart Water Fund commissioned a review of industrial ecology opportunities for Melbourne. This project was completed in 2008. The paper outlines the project outcomes and how it has been embedded in the cleaner production program at South East Water. © IWA Publishing 2010.