The Australasian Spa Association (ASpa) has begun an audit of the spa industry in Victoria, South Australia, to determine how spas can better understand the implications of water use and recycling in the face of an extended period of drought across much of the country.

The record low water storage levels across the country have led to many of Australia’s major cities introducing limits on household water use over the past five years, while the drought has damaged rural production and reduced the country’s economic growth by an estimated 0.5 per cent.

Having obtained funding for the audit from Smart Water Victoria, ASpa’s intention is to find ways to ensure the spa service sector is environmentally responsible. According to ASpa, a number of local councils have already rejected some new spa development proposals based on assumptions about water usage levels.

An environmental engineer and water scientist will manage the audit, which will take place from March to July this year with 16 participating spas. The audit will be restricted to Victoria and will focus on issues including spa design, the equipment used and treatments.

An ASpa spokesperson said: “With the ongoing impacts of the drought, we need to take proactive measures on water usage to ensure the sustainability of our industry and reduce the risk of further government regulation and negative public perceptions.”