Every day, there are many simple, practical things we can do in the house, when you’re pottering around outdoors or if you are at work to conserve water, save money and help the environment.

These tips can also apply to businesses and it is important to educate your staff on correct water saving proceedures.

Why do we need to save water?

Of all the water in the world, only 3% is fresh. Less than one third of 1% of this fresh water is available for human use. The rest is frozen in glaciers or polar ice caps, or is deep within the earth, beyond our reach.

To put it another way, if 100 litres represents the world’s water, about half a tablespoon of it is fresh water available for our use.

It’s time to become water efficient! This involves reassessing our relationship with water, and learning to use it more sparingly. On the most basic level, it requires a behavioural change, and assigning a value to water that truly reflects its worth.

1. Have shorter showers - 1 minute less in the shower SAVES 9 litres*

2. Only do the washing when there is a full load – SAVES 130 litres*

3. Put the dishwasher on when it is full – SAVES 60 litres*

4. Install a AAA shower rebate – SAVES 13 litres per minute* (and get a government rebate)

5. Use less water in the bath

6. Use economy settings on washing machines and dishwashers

7. Check for leaks – check meter before you to bed and when you get up in the morning

8. Install a dual-flush toilet – SAVES 9 litres per flush*

9. Check for any toilet leaks - put a small amount of biodegradable food colouring in the cistern

10. Fix any leaking toilets – SAVES 16,000 litres per year*

11. Stop/fix any dripping taps – SAVES 24,000 litres per year*

12. Don’t run the tap when it is not needed – like when brushing teeth or shaving – SAVES 17 litres per minute*

13. Install aerotaros and flow restrictors on taps

14. Use less water when rinsing dishes

15. Wash vegetables with a plug in the sink

16. Buy a AAA rated washing machine (and get a government rebate)

17. Buy a AAA rated dishwasher (and get a government rebate)

18. Install a rainwater tank (and get a government rebate)

19. Invest in a grey water treatment system

20. Install an automatic controller to water different zones of you garden at different times and days to ensure the right areas of the garden are getting watered without waste

21. Install a rain sensor to automatically switch your irrigation system off when it has rained

22. Mulch your gardens to allow plants to retain water

23. Plant native plants that require less water to survive

*All water savings are estimates