Tips to conserve water

Kitchen

• make sure your dishwasher is full before turning it on
• fix leaking taps
• put plug in sink when running water to wash fruits and veggies or for rinsing dishes
• avoid using running water to defrost frozen food,allow it to defrost overnight in the refrigerator or use your microwave to defrost food straight from the freezer
• check all taps are turned off properly
• keep a water jug or bottle in your fridge instead of running the tap cold to get a cool drink of water
• use a pressure cooker, microwave or steamer to save water. Simmer rather than boil your food and use tight lids to prevent evaporation
• water used to cook boiled food can be re-used in soups or casseroles – or let it cool down and use it to water your garden
• your plants will appreciate food scraps added to the compost heap! A lot of water is wasted running a waste disposal unit.

Bathroom

• turn the tap off when brushing your teeth or shaving
• install a low-flow showerhead
• use dual-flush on the toilet or place a filled water bottle in the toilet cistern
• have showers instead of baths and keep your shower short
• don’t use the toilet to flush items such as tissues or anything else that could go in the rubbish bin
• check your toilet for leaks.

Laundry

• make sure you do a full load or use the water filling guide depending on the amount of washing
• front-load washing machines use 50 percent less water than top loaders

Garden

• collect water in drums or tanks from roof run off
  minimise evaporation by watering during the early morning
• don’t water on windy days: much of the water will evaporate and/or go where you don’t need it
• check the forecast - if there's rain ahead, let it water for you
• check your garden hose and taps regularly for leaks and use a trigger nozzle on the hose to reduce water loss
• use recycled water (also known as grey water) you have collected in your home to water your garden
• use a trigger hose to water the garden, not a sprinkler, to control where and how much water is used. Also, aim for the roots, not the leaves.
• plant drought-resistant species in your garden. Native plants require less water than exotic plants.

Lawns

• do not worry about the lawn drying out over the summer as it will rejuvenate naturally with cooler and wetter weather
• do not water your lawn on windy days
• wash your car on the lawn so your lawn gets watered too
• don’t cut the lawns too short. Lawns with more grass blades will hold water and require less irrigation.

Outdoors

• don't hose the dirt off your driveway, use a broom instead
• use a bucket to wash the house or windows
• make sure you check for leaks consistently and repair if necessary