For more information, please see our Water Commitment
At Contact, we use and impact on water in a number of ways:
Our hydro stations use water directly for electricity generation. This water is not consumed rather it runs through the dams, however this process impacts the ability of sediment and freshwater species to move up- or downstream.
We use water and geothermal fluid which we either run through turbines or deliver to other companies who need heat. Most of the geothermal fluid we use is reinjected back into the reservoir, but some of it is currently cooled and then discharged into streams and rivers. Identification and control of substances, such as hydrogen sulphide, within our water discharges are outlined in our consent conditions.
Water is used at all of our electricity and gas operations to keep things running safely and efficiently. Cooling water is cooled itself before being reused or put back in the stream or river it was taken from. Some is evaporated into the atmosphere.
Finally, our offices use water just like any other business – dishes, bathrooms, teas and coffees. Most of these potable water systems are connected to local Council supply and treatment.