NATIONAL WATER WEEK 2025: MONDAY 20 OCTOBER – SUNDAY 26 OCTOBER
National Water Week makes a splash across Australia each year by inspiring communities and organisations to work together on water issues and future fixes. With climate change and growing demand putting pressure on our water systems, it’s more important than ever to use water wisely.
This year’s theme is all about bringing water into focus and encouraging people not just to see water as a resource but as an invisible thread connecting everything in our lives. As we head into another warm summer, it’s a timely and important reminder for us all.
There are plenty of ways to get involved starting right at home with the following tips:
💧 6 Ways to Save Water Every Day
1. FIX LEAKS FAST
A dripping tap or leaking pipe might seem minor, but it can waste thousands of litres of water every year — enough to fill a backyard pool! Regularly check your plumbing and garden irrigation systems for leaks and fixing them promptly is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to conserve water. If you’re in Perth or Peel, Water Corporation is offering a $200 rebate for repairing garden irrigation leaks which is an excellent incentive to act now.
2. SHORTEN YOUR SHOWERS
Showers are one of the biggest household water users. Reducing your shower time by just 2 minutes can save up to 30 litres per shower. Over a year, that adds up to thousands of litres saved! Try using a shower timer, or play a 3–4 minute song and aim to finish before it ends. You can also install a water-efficient showerhead to reduce flow without sacrificing comfort.
3. INSTALL WATER EFFICIENT FIXTURES AND APPLIANCES
Upgrading to water-efficient fixtures can make a big difference. Look for products with a high WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating. These include taps, showerheads, toilets, and washing machines. A 4-star rated showerhead, for example, can use less than half the water of a standard one. These upgrades not only save water but also reduce your energy bills if you’re heating less water.
4. MAKE YOUR GARDEN WATERWISE
Outdoor water use can account for up to 40% of household water consumption. Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, and choose drought-tolerant native plants that thrive with minimal watering. Consider installing drip irrigation systems for efficient watering directly at the roots.
5. REUSE YOUR GREYWATER
Greywater is wastewater from showers, baths, and washing machines and it can be reused to water your garden, reducing your reliance on mains water. Systems range from simple diverters or the good old fashioned bucket method to more advanced filtration setups. Always use eco-friendly detergents and soaps to avoid harming your plants or soil and be sure to check local regulations before installing a greywater system to ensure compliance.
6. GET KIDS INVOLVED
Help kids learn about saving water through fun activities like building a rain gauge, making posters, or helping in the garden. Turn it into a game such as who can take the shortest shower or spot a leak first? For more ideas, explore the free resources from Water Night, including family-friendly challenges, colouring-in sheets and conversation starters to make water awareness engaging at home.
Measure Your Water Use with an Energy Audit Kit
Our free to loan Energy Audit Kits include simple tools to help you measure water flow rates and identify inefficient fixtures around your home. Whether you’re curious about how much water your shower uses or want to check for hidden leaks, these kits make it easy to understand your household’s water use and uncover opportunities to save. The kits are available at over 100 participating libraries and community resource centres across Western Australia.
Using the kit is a hands-on way to learn more about your home’s efficiency and take practical steps toward reducing your water and energy bills. It’s a small change that can lead to big savings — for your wallet and the environment.
Learn more and find a kit near you at Switch Your Thinking – Energy Audit Kits.
