Use water efficiently
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!
Six 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 each year and reduce your water and energy bills when you exchange your old showerhead for a new 3-star water efficient one.
- Install low-flow taps. 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. Another approach is to learn the mantra "if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown flush it down".
- 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 or plants!
- Invest in a front-loading clothes washing machine with a high star water rating. They are more efficient with water and energy and gentler on your clothes.
- Check the water rating. If you're about to buy a water-using product find out first how Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) ratings can save you money and help the environment. It's simple - the more stars on the WELS label - the less water that product will use, and the more money you will save.
Rebates. Check out our Rebates and assistance page for a range of available rebates on water saving products. Some local councils also offer rebates for purchasing water saving devices. Contact your local council to find out.
Additonal resources
- 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.
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Information on water sensitive urban design.
Local Council Rebates - the City of Holdfast Bay's water wise brochure offer further information about water saving devices.
Why is this action 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.