Water
Perth is becoming one of the driest cities in Australia? Households represent 53% of all water consumption in Perth and every drop of water you save in:
- Reducing pressure on our dwindling water sources ensuring there will be enough now and in the future.
- Increasing the amount of water available for vital natural hydrological and biological functions (humans aren’t the only ones that need water).
- Reducing energy use associated with treating and pumping drinking water and waste water.
- Reducing the need for more water infrastructure (such as desalination plants), which is costly and uses natural resources.
RETHINK WATER USE
Ways to Save Water
CLEANING DISHES
Run dishwasher on fast cycle where it uses 15 litres compared to 20 litres for a normal cycle. Run it on full load.
BE EFFICIENT WHEN WASHING CLOTHES
Use a front loader machine that uses 50 litres on a normal cycle compared to 120-150 litres for a top loader. Run it on the full load if possible.
SHOWER SHORTER
Take short showers, use water efficient taps and showerheads. A water saving shower head uses 9 litres per minute compared to the 18 litres per minute of the ordinary one.
DUAL FLUSH
Use dual flush toilets, they use 3 litres for half flush and 6 litres for full flush compared to single flulsh toilets that uses 9-11 litres. Make sure to always use the button appropriately.
KEEP IT COVERED
If you have a pool or spa, use a pool blanket. Not only will this reduce water evaporation by up 55 litres per day in summer, it will keep your pool or spa warmer and cleaner.
PURCHASE EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
Look for products rated three stars or higher by the Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS). Water efficiency information for most second-hand goods can be found with a quick search online. Check Rewards for residents program of Switch your Thinking and save on water efficient appliances.
HARVEST RAINWATER
Collect rainwater in tanks to use it for all outdoor use and also for toilet and laundry use. Try to get the largest size of the tank based on your roof area so that you can maximise what you can collect during winter.
ELIMINATE WASTE
Fix leaks around the house. A three drops per second leak wastes 68 litres of water per day. The Water Corporation publishes a list of waterwise plumbers if you need a professional..
KNOW YOUR WATER USE
Calculate your water consumption embedded in the products and services you use with The Water Footprint Network.
GET A WATER AUDIT KIT
Use water audit kit to calculate your water usage. Several online kits are available
REDUCE WATER USAGE IN THE GARDEN
The Swan Coastal Plain is known for its sandy soil that loses moisture quickly when exposed to sun. Mulch your garden with five to 10 centimeters of mulch to improve your soil. You can shred your own garden pruning or check with your Council to see if they have a free or discounted mulch service.
USE GREYWATER
Use treated greywater in your garden.
STORMWATER
Make sure all stormwater from your property seeps underground through soakwells or direct through swales into your garden.
ZONE IT
Choose drought resistant or native plants and try to group plants with the same water needs together. Water once on your assigned watering day and respect Perth’s winter sprinkler ban between 1 June and 31 August. Check your watering days.
Want to save more water?
Other Ways to Switch
Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.