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
