How To Save Water

Water is as rare as it is precious. Almost every week there is a story on the dam levels, the drought strickened farmers or water restrictions.

In the short-term, at least for the East Coast of Australia, the major problem of dam levels has retreated just a little - Brisbane just recently went from level 6 to level 5 water restriction. On the whole though, the problem remains.

So for those of us that do have water it's very important to become water wise and do your best for the great whole for household consumption represents 12% of Australia's total water use, therefore every drop is precious.

Water Saving Tips

• AAA water efficiency - most appliances these days have a water efficiency rating or use the WELS scheme, so make sure you either buy something with a AAA rating or on the WELS buy and appliance that is rated at least 4-6
• Flow control valves - these cheap additions can cut your water bills in half if installed on all taps in your home
• Fix all leaks - a slow dripping tap can waste 20,000L per year
• Use flush regulators - these can save 1000's of litres per year
• Efficient shower heads - a $25 shower head, with an average 7 minute shower, can save around 30,000L per annum. For more information visit Savewater
• Fill the bath to only 1/2 or 3/4 - this will save 100L per bath
• Use a bucket - catch all that water while in the show, great for plants
• Shower timer - 1 minute shower equals 20L of water
• Teeth - turn the tap off while brushing to save 4000L per annum
• Kettle - only boil as much water as you need, great for power and water saving
• Stove - boil water with lids to stop evaporation
• Cooking water - great for the plants
• Washing machine - always adjust water level button to suit load size
• Car - use a bucket and wash on the grass
• Watering - water plants in early morning or evening to save evaporation
• Plants - mulch will save you a lot time watering and a lot of water

Anyone else have any ideas?

Think globally and act locally.

Andrew