Simple Water Saving Tips

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As individuals, there are so many things we can do to reduce our water consumption - and save cash in the process too! Here are some brief and simple tips most of us can apply:

• Shorter showers with less pressure
• Install a water saving shower head - under $10
• Ensuring taps, water pipes and hose connections don't drip
• Checking toilets for leaks. Use a few drops of food coloring in the cistern, wait for a while and check the bowl for signs of color - be sure to flush afterwards prevent staining.
• Buy clothing made with fibers that aren't so water intensive; such as hemp
• Installing rainwater tanks or even just a small rain barrel
• Using greywater from sinks and washing machines to water the garden
• Using low water car washes
• Installing tap aerators
• Turning off the tap while brushing our teeth
• Turning off the tap while shaving
• Washing veggies in a sink partially filled with water instead of under a running tap
• Setting washing machines at the lowest possible water level for the load
• Watering gardens just after sunrise or just after sunset to reduce evaporation
• Mulching gardens to reduce watering requirements
• Installing drip irrigation systems
• Cutting grass a little longer during summer
• Reducing the temperature of water heaters which lessens the amount of mixing needed to be done in order to achieve a temperature that won't scald your skin
• Installing dual flush toilets or displacement devices in cisterns
• Fill a dishwasher completely before running it
• Don't use water to accelerate thawing of food
• Instead of using a sink rubbish disposal unit, establish a compost pile or worm farm
• Use drought tolerant plants in your garden and drought resistant grass for lawn
• Never use a hose to blast leaves or litter off a driveway - sweep it, it's good exercise too :)