Great Ideas to Help You Save Water - Victoria, Australia

1. Great ideas to help
you save water
How to have a water Creative garden
wise garden watering solutions
Mulch: Keep soil cool and reduce evaporation by up USE A BUCKET: The simplest and cheapest greywater
to 70%. Spread it at least 7cm deep around plants. system available!
• Place it in the shower and collect the ‘warm up’ water or
Weed: Weeds compete with plants for valuable water. leave it at your feet to collect the run off.
So remove them whenever they stick their heads up! • Scoop out bath or basin water.
• Catch water from your washing machine’s last rinse cycle.
Use shade as protection: Move pots into the
• Place a container in the sink when washing food.
shade and use shade cloth over sensitive plants.
GREYWATER DIVERSION: Connect a greywater
add soil-wetting agents: Water crystals and diverter to outdoor piping and collect the water in a
soil-wetting agents will retain moisture and help nourish large container.
your precious plants for longer.
PERMANENT GREYWATER SYSTEMS: Must be
Fertilise: Feed your plants fertiliser to help them installed by a licensed plumber and requires council
resist the stress of summer heat. approval.
water wisely: Different plants and different parts of RAINWATER HARVESTING: Harvested rainwater is
the garden have different watering requirements. Water a great option for garden watering, with many water tanks
accordingly and only if needed. to choose from in a variety of colours and materials.
Remember most gardens do not need to be watered for For more information on sustaining your garden in
Spread mulch at least 7cm deep to reduce
the entire allowable watering time. dry times visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au and click on
Water Wise Gardening. evaporation and keep your plants healthy
through the hot summer months.
Note: Greywater must be used within 24 hours of collection unless it has been treated. For further information contact the EPA (details below).
How can I keep How can I keep Other great ways
my car and my pool full? to save water
driveway clean? Place a cover over your pool Install a three-star rated
to minimise evaporation. water-efficient showerhead.
Consider using greywater or
rainwater from a bucket to Minimise splash. When purchasing a new
spot clean the car. A good Top up with rainwater. washing machine choose
option is to collect the Maintain chemical levels one with a four-star rating
‘warm up’ water when showering or running a bath. and regularly test the water. or above.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Water-free car washing products are starting to
appear on the market and are a great alternative for How do I keep my exterior
Install flow control valves to further reduce water use.
keeping your car clean. windows clean? Only use your dishwasher or clothes washing
Visit an efficient car wash using 70 litres of water or It sounds simple, but the tried and tested window spray machine when you have a full load.
less per vehicle. is one of the most effective ways to keep outside
windows clean. Fix any dripping taps or leaking toilet cisterns.
Use a broom to sweep the driveway or an air blower
for fast results. If you don’t think that will do the trick, opt for greywater Reduce your shower time to four minutes.
or rainwater from a bucket.
Further information
Water saving products Greywater guidelines Greywater collection and use Safe use of detergents General advice and rebates
savewater!® Alliance Environmental Protection Authority Alternative Technology Association Lanfax Laboratories Our Water Our Future
Web: www.savewater.com.au Web: www.epa.vic.gov.au/water Web: www.ata.org.au Web: www.lanfaxlabs.com.au Web: www.ourwater.vic.gov.au
Telephone: 9695 2722 Telephone: 136 186
City West Water 131 691 www.citywestwater.com.au
South East Water 131 867 www.southeastwater.com.au
Yarra Valley Water 131 721 www.yarravalleywater.com.au