VICTORIA'S smartest water-saving towns have been recognised in new figures released by the State Government.
Sunbury and Macedon are leading the way when it comes to saving water.
But Ballarat comes in a close second, according to figures released this month by Victorian Premier John Brumby.
The figures show how Victorian towns rated last year in terms of their residents' water use efficiency.
Many have faced - and still do face - tough water restrictions, so residents have had to be more conscious of their water use.
Sunbury and Macedon - both under the umbrella of Western Water - tied for first place, using 145 litres per person per day.
Ballarat (147 litres per person a day) and Melbourne (154) households were next.
The highest water users were Swan Hill (412), Shepparton (411) and Yea (339).
Western Water managing director John Wilkinson praised his regional customers for their efforts.
"These latest figures show all towns in Western Water's region lowered or held their consumption figures last year compared to 2008," John said.
"And that was despite some of the worst heatwave events this state has ever experienced.
"Residents of Sunbury area, too, which includes Diggers Rest and Bulla, are stand-out winners.
"But the greatest drop in consumption regionally has come from Romsey and Lancefield residents, who cut their consumption in 2008-09 by 15 litres per person a day to well below the statewide target of 155 litres.
John said credit should go to the Victorian Government's Target 155 water conservation campaign and rebate scheme, as well as Western Water's own regional initiatives, such as its WaterTight program.
Central Highlands Water manager, communications, Wendy Stubbs praised CHWs 60,000 customers for their efforts.
"CHW's Ballarat and district water supply covers a large area which includes 58 suburbs or towns and four local government regions," Wendy said.
"Residents responded to the impact of ongoing dry conditions and used 15 per cent less than the estimated demand under Stage 4 restrictions - less than 150 litres per person a day.
"Business customers, too, did well, reducing their water consumption by almost four billion litres a year over the past six years."
Wendy said CHW had run a number of successful water conservation campaigns.
"Project Aquarius, for example, was a residential program which included a water use audit and retrofit of water-saving appliances," she said.
"About 4500 residents participated in this program in the Ballarat area.
"In 2008, the Goldfields Superpipe secured supply for Ballarat and districts and, last November, water restrictions were eased for the first time in three years."
The latest statistics were provided by water authorities and compiled by the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment.
