Water Conservation

There are numerous ways to save water, and they all start with you. Below are just a few:
• Reduce indoor water use by choosing water efficient showers, toilets, taps and appliances.
• Minimise outdoor water use by choosing plants that are appropriate for local growing conditions and by including low water use areas in the garden design through the use of indigenous plants or low water use species.
• Minimise paving of outdoor areas as this increases heat radiation and water runoff from the site.
• Wash cars and bikes on the lawn to water grass at the same time.
• Sweep paths and driveways instead of hosing them down.
• Reuse water where possible to reduce the consumption of potable water for non-potable purposes.
• Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before hitting the ground.
• Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.
• Learn how to use your water meter to check for leaks.
• Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.

• Less than 2% of the earth’s water supply is fresh water with only 1% of being available as drinking water.
• Globally, in 2012 only 89% of people had access to water suitable for drinking. 1.8 billion people still used an unsafe drinking water source.
• 97% of all the earth's water is salt water found in oceans and seas.
• A person can survive about a month without food, but only 5 to 7 days without water.
• Water makes up about 60% of weight in men and 55% of weight in women. Infants are about 70% to 80% water while the elderly are around 45%.
• By adjusting your lawn mower height from a low setting to a high setting will provide taller grass which will shade the roots and hold soil moisture better than short grass.
• Leaving lawn clippings on your grass will cool the ground and hold in moisture.
• You can minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter. Don’t water your lawn on windy days as most of the water blows away or evaporates.
• A leaking tap can waste up to 2,000 litres of water a month. Fixing a leaking tap is an easy way to use less water.
• In 2011 the Victorian government introduced uniform permanent water saving rules. These rules can be found via the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning webpage.