Water Minister Tim Holding said on Thursday that Bendigo residents used an average of 202 litres per day in 2009, compared with 175 litres in 2008.

Bendigo recorded the highest increase of any major regional centre with stage two restrictions or higher.

It had the fourth-highest increase overall.

But Coliban Water industrial/commercial manager Ian Watson said on Friday that a trial program aimed at household water consumption had been a success.

Mr Watson said 815 households in Flora Hill, Strathdale and Kangaroo Flat took part in the WaterSmart program funded by the State Government.

“The results show that households increased the adoption of water-saving techniques and products around the house and had made noticeable water savings on their bills. “By the end of the program, participants had more confidence in available resources and their ability towards water conservation.

“Education is the key to greater awareness, and we will use these results to help refine our water conservation programs.”

More than 100,000 households across Victoria were invited to take part in the $6 million WaterSmart program, a State Government initiative being conducted by local water corporations.

The Bendigo WaterSmart program was free of charge and took place over a 10-month period.

Participating households were asked to answer some simple questions on their water use before the program, then answered the same questions at the end of the program. Customers can access water-saving information and useful website links on the Coliban Water website www.coliban.com.au