to modify their water usage due to their particular physical needs or those who are unable to adapt their home environment because of cost or if they are renting.' Group discussions conducted with close to 40 participants showed that the price of water, rather than water availability, has the greatest impact on their ability to remain active participants in the community as most were on fixed incomes. Water-pricing structures may produce unintended consequences for this group. 'Rural seniors play an important part in the sustainability of rural communities, they continue to make an important contribution to the understanding of water conservation, and there is much to be gained from actively supporting their ability to age well,' says Professor Warburton. 'While extreme events such as heat waves can affect the most vulnerable in our communities, rural seniors are not necessarily vulnerable to the vagaries of water availability. They are, however, vulnerable to policy decisions which increase costs causing the greatest impact on their ability to live active and engaged lives,' says Dr O'Keefe. This is a collaborative project between the Centre for Water Policy Management (CWPM), and the John Richards Initiative into Aged Care in Rural Communities (JRI), La Trobe University. Funded by the Consumer Utilities Advocacy Centre (CUAC) and the La Trobe Centre for Social and Environmental Sustainability.