Water Efficiency
With Western Australia's dry climate, it is important that we all help to reduce water consumption. According to the Water Corporation, 70% of scheme water in Perth, the Goldfields and parts of the south west is used by households. There are many steps you can take to become a water efficient household. Benefits include:
- Reduced costs
- Helping to conserve a precious resource
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions (due to reduced focus on desalination programs)
- Reduced time and money spent on water and nutrient dependent gardens.
Water efficient homes
To become a water efficient household, you can:
- Install water efficient appliances such as showerheads, taps, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers
- Install low-flow regulators or aerators on taps
- Use a Council-approved greywater system for some of the garden
- Know your watering days and times and seasonal bans
- Have your home audited for water efficiency
- Sign up for a Living Smart course
- Check out Switch Your Thinking's water saving tips
- Check out the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's advice on saving water in the home.
Water efficient behaviour
There are many daily actions you can take to reduce your water use:
- Only use the washing machine and dishwasher on full cycles
- Use a four minute shower timer to help reduce shower times
- Check all washers on taps and monitor areas for leaks
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or paving
- Wash your car over lawn instead of concrete
- Catch rainwater in a bucket to water your pot plants
- Don’t leave the tap running when brushing your teeth or washing the dishes
- Insulate hot water pipes
- Check your water bills and create a water consumption reduction target.
Water efficient gardens
As the seasons change, so do the watering needs of your lawn and garden:
- Use your irrigation system manually in spring to take advantage of the cooler weather
- Reduce fixed spray sprinkler system run time by 2 minutes per station and still maintain a healthy garden
- Choose native and waterwise plants for your garden
- Check the Department of Water's advice on saving water in the garden.
Garden watering days
You can find your watering days on the Water Corporation website. Remember to stick to your watering roster and only water once, either before 9am or after 6pm, on your allocated watering days.
Useful links
Water Corporation
Living Smart Program
Fertilise Wise guides for gardeners
Top 10 tips for water efficient homes
