Save water at home

How to save water in your home, pool and garden

Water is a precious natural resource that we often take for granted in Sydney. Each of us has a part to play in using water sustainably. There are many ways you can save water around your home and garden.

In your garden

boy with watering can

Plant selection

  • Plant locally native species that have adapted to our local climate and soil to help minimise the need for watering. You will find a list of Sydney Eastern Suburbs local native plants here.

Garden design and set up

  • Group plants that need the same amount of water together so that none of them get too much.
  • Apply a layer of mulch 7–10 centimetre deep around your plants to help prevent water from evaporating.

Garden maintenance

  • Pull out weeds as soon as they sprout so they don’t take water away from your plants.
  • Use a broom or rake to move leaves and clean paths.

sprinkler

Watering

  • Check for any current water restrictions and when restrictions aren’t in place follow the Water Wise Guidelines.
  • Water lawns and gardens before 10am and after 4pm using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle, sprinklers or standard watering systems.
  • Water the roots of each plant rather than the leaves as it’s the water in the soil that your plants thrive on.
  • If you’re considering installing or replacing an irrigation system in your garden check these helpful tips from Sydney Water to ensure your system is well designed, programmed and maintained.
  • Install a rainwater tank.

In your home

shower head

Help reduce water use in your home by careful selection of water fittings and taking care how and when you use them.

  • Choose water-efficient showers, toilets, taps, and appliances.
  • Take shorter showers. Showering for 4 minutes instead of 10 can save you around 60 litres of water each day.
  • Use the half-flush button on your toilet whenever you can.
  • Fill your dishwasher and washing machine before starting your cycle. Half loads waste water.
  • Fix leaks and install water-efficient devices to save water, energy and money. Check Sydney Water’s WaterFix Residential or WaterFix Strata programs for support.
  • For appartments check our Waterwise Apartments Program.

In the pool

swimming pool

Reduce the need to fill your pool up from the tap with these tips.

  • Pool covers will reduce evaporation from 40-90% depending on the cover design. Check for rebates offers and cover design quality tips through Sydney Water.
  • Having hedges and walls around your pool will create shelter and protect your pool from wind and sun.
  • Maintain your pool well by keeping the pool and filters clean so you can reduce the need to backwash the filters.
  • Check your pool regularly for leaks.

More information

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