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.

  • We offer FREE woodchip mulch to residents. You can collect your woodchip mulch from Gunyah car park. Entrance is located at the junction of Old South Head Road and Salisbury Street, Watsons Bay (next to Our Lady Star of the Sea Church).

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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