Save water

Water savings at home

Roughly two thirds of all of the water we use in our homes is used in the bathroom.  Leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth can use up to 8 litres of water, while 5 minute shower can use up to 200 litres.

  • Install a AAA-rated showerhead and consider installing timers or flow restrictors on your taps to reduce your water use by 50%
  • Replace leaking washers and turn taps off gently so that the washers last longer
  • Install a AAA-rated dual flush toilet and use around 67% less water than a standard single flush
  • Only use your washing machine when you have a full load
  • Rinse dishes in plugged sink not a running tap
  • Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load
  • More water saving ideas

Water savings in the garden

Gardens account for about 25% of domestic water use. Changing the way you care for your garden can greatly reduce the amount of water you need.

  • Install a rainwater tank to water the garden
  • Always use a broom instead of a hose to clean paths, driveways and paved areas
  • Purchase native plants from the local nursery to plant in your garden
  • Use mulch and add organic material such as compost to the soil to help it retain moisture
  • Wash the car in the grass to water and fertilise your lawn at the same time
  • Invest in new drought tolerant lawn varieties. Water your lawn for longer periods but less often to encourage deep root growth and don;t cut the lawn too short
  • Grow your own organic produce.

Learn more tips and view fact sheets on sustainable gardening.

Water Sensitive Urban Design

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a term used to describe the concepts and theories about the planning and design of urban environments that are 'sensitive' to the issues of Water Sustainability and Environmental Protection (Australian Runoff Quality - A Guide to WSUD).

Some examples of WSUD include:

  • rainwater tanks
  • water savings devices
  • water re-use for irrigation, toilet flushing, truck wash bays etc
  • vegetated swales, buffer strips and bio-retention systems
  • sand filters
  • urban wetlands
  • greywater treatment.

WSUD exists under the umbrella of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and it's outcome is integrated water cycle management. WSUD relates to interactions between urban built form and the urban water cycle including; potable water, wastewater and stormwater.

Water Sensitive Urban Design in the Sydney Region