Water
Reducing your water use has lots of great benefits for the environment! Read on to find out why saving water is so important and get inspired with practical tips.Â
Perth is becoming one of the driest cities in Australia, with households representing 53% of all water consumption. Every drop of water you save will:
- 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.
How to Save Water
USE YOUR DISHWASHER EFFICIENTLY
Run dishwasher on fast cycle where it uses 15 litres compared to 20 litres for a normal cycle and only run it when full.
USE YOUR WASHING MACHINE EFFICIENTLY
Use a front loader machine that uses 50 litres on a normal cycle compared to 120-150 litres for a top loader and only run it on the full load.
TAKE SHORTER SHOWERS
Take short showers and 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. Borrow an energy audit kit from your local library to test the water flow rate of your taps and showerheads.Â
USE DUAL FLUSH BUTTONS
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.Â
KEEP POOLS & SPAS 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. Check out our offers on pool covers and rollers through the Rewards for Residents program.Â
PURCHASE ENERGY 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 to save on water efficient appliances.
USE WATER TANKS TO 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. Â
FIX LEAKS QUICKLY
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.
MAKE YOUR GARDEN WATERWISE
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.Â
ZONE YOUR GARDEN FOR EFFICIENT WATER RETICULATION
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.
More Resources
Get bore water smart.  Garden bores draw from our limited shallow groundwater and bore water needs to be used conservatively. If you have a garden bore you receive one additional watering day in spring, summer and autumn. Or maybe consider installing a greywater system!Â
Other Ways to Switch
Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.