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Save Water and Consume Less Water

We need to be smart about the way we use water or we could end up looking at a dry future. As Australians, we live on the driest inhabited continent on earth. Effective ways to reduce water use start with us. Making just a few changes adds up to big savings for you and the environment.

On your lawn

• Limit your amount of lawn area and use drought-tolerant grass suited to Australia. Don't mow lawns too short (at least 3cm stalks).
  
  
• Care for your lawn by applying compost or organic fertilisers; aerate the lawn with a fork for more efficient watering and water deeply with rainwater or greywater (water from your laundry and shower).
  
  
• Let your lawn go brown, it will rejuvinate when it rains.

Water-saving devices

• Install a rainwater tank to capture and store rainwater for use on the garden and lawn (when using water from your rainwater tank, water restrictions do not apply).
  
  
• Greywater systems divert laundry and bathroom (shower, basin and bath) water onto lawns and gardens. Be carefull not to poison the soil with all the detergents in the water.
  
  
• Connect your hose to your rainwater tank to deliver water directly to the soil and roots.
  
  
• Install a pool cover, this can save up to 100 litres of water a day that would otherwise be lost to evaporation.
  
  
• Install low flow taps to reduce water consumption.
  
  
• Check taps for leaks and repair.
  
  
• Use a broom to sweep driveways and paths.

In the garden

• Maintain healthy soil. Soils in good condition absorb water best.
  
  
• Natural shade trees in the right position can reduce plant water use and offer opportunities for planting shade-loving native shrubs and ground covers.
  
  
• Mulch beds and pots. This reduces water lost to evaporation by up to 70%.
  
  
• Group plants with similar watering needs together.
  
  
• Water deeply but less often to encourage strong root systems and hardier plants.
  
  
• Add organic wetting agents (available from garden centres) to help keep water and nutrients in the soil.
  
  
• Water early or late in the day (in accordance with current water restrictions) to reduce evaporation and don’t water when it’s windy or rainy.
  
  
• If using greywater, choose biodegradable products with low levels of phosphorus, sodium, nitrogen and chlorine.

Watersaving devices

• A rainwater tank prevents precious rainwater coming off your roof and ending up as stormwater run-off. Tanks supply water for outdoor use, flushing toilets and washing clothes and reduce flash flooding in our creeks.
  
  
• A greywater system using water from your bathroom and/or laundry (not toilet or kitchen) is a good alternative source of water for your garden. Water can be piped through a flexible hose or bucketed to any part of your garden and does not require Council approval. If you plan to install a greywater diversion system, that requires connection to household plumbing you will need to apply for Council approval.
  
  
• A pool blanket reduces pool and spa water loss to evaporation, minimises chemical use, prevents debris entering your pool and increases the water temperature by up to 8°C. It can save up to 100 litres of water per day. As it simply floats on your pool surface, it’s easy to install.
  
  
• A watersense lifestyle can achieve water savings in your home. Look for products with a high Water Efficiency Labelling Standard (WELS) star rating. Install water-saving devices such as flow restrictors, dual flush toilets, water-efficient washing machines, dishwashers, shower heads and taps.
  
  
• Reuse water from your house on your garden by placing a basin in your kitchen sink to catch water when rinsing fruits and vegetables and by using a bucket in the shower to catch the water while you’re waiting for it to warm up.