Use Water Efficiently
Water conservation on the driest continent on the planet is essential, logical and too long in coming. There are lots of easy things we can all do!
Fresh water is embedded in most of the things we consume, from the meat we eat (41,500 litres to produce a kilo of meat) to the aluminium we carry our drinks in (20 litres for a single can). Hence, while the water we use in the home may seem trivial (only 7% of all water used in Australia), its conservation is a step toward increasing our knowledge on sustainable water use.
How to do it now!
Five easy actions will save litres of clean fresh water being used and flushed away:
- Install a water efficient showerhead - You will save more than 12,000 litres of water per year and reduce your water and energy bills when you exchange your old showerhead for a new AAA rated one.
- Install low-flow faucets - Reduce the amount of water coming out of your tap. It is that simple. Available from any hardware store.
- Dual flush toilets - Installing a dual flush toilet will allow you to use the appropriate amount of water to clear the toilet bowl.
- Use the water twice - Connect up a hose to your washing machine so you can pump the water out to your garden. Make sure you use phosphorous free detergent so that you don’t harm your soil and your plants!
- Invest in a front loading clothes washing machine with AAA water rating - They are much more efficient with water and energy. Plus they are gentler on your clothes.
Rebates - Rebates for many of the water saving products are available from the following state government websites:
- National - Smart Watermark - This site lists the state and/or local government rebate programs available in your area for the installation of certain water-saving fixtures and water tanks.
- Read the State Governments ‘Water Proofing Adelaide’ Strategy.
- See this link for information on the water issues relating to the River Murray
- Check out Waterwatch for more information about how to get involved in a watercourse nearest to you.
- For South Australia’s water rebates.
- Make sure you comply with water restrictions in your area.
- for information on rebates for water efficient gardens.
- Information on a number of rebates see the National Rainwater and Greywater initiative.
- Information on water sensitive urban design.
Local Council Rebates - the City of Holdfast Bays' water wise brochure offer further information about water saving devices.
Why this action is important?
Fresh water is the most fundamental component to life on Earth. Without it, we would not have clean air, food, drink and many aesthetic and recreational benefits. Therefore, we need to ensure we use water in a sustainable way – we need to share it, care for it and understand its critical importance The consequences of not doing so can be seen in the Murray as well as many other countries around the world.