Water wise tips
We all need to look for ways to save water in and around our homes and gardens whenever possible. Here's 10 easy tips for your home and garden to help you be water wise.
To help save water, Water Wise Guidelines are in place across Greater Sydney.
10 easy ways to be water wise in your home
Keeping water cool
Keep water in the fridge rather than waiting for the water to cool from the tap.
Washing vegetables
Wash your vegetables and rinse dishes in a plugged sink or basin – not under a running tap.
Washing your clothes
Wait for a full load of washing before reaching for the detergent.
Taking shorter showers
Keep your showers to four minutes.
Flushing the toilet
Use the half flush and save up to 4.5 litres a flush.
Thawing frozen foods
Thaw frozen foods in the fridge or microwave, not under running water.
Using the dishwasher
Make sure your dishwasher is full before using it.
Plugging the sink
Use a plug in the sink. Don't run water down the drain, when rinsing your razor, brushing your teeth or washing your face.
Showering efficiently
Install a WELS 4-star rated water-saving showerhead and save on water and energy costs.
Checking for leaks
Check for any leaking taps and toilets around your home. Find out more about leak detection.
Find out more about:
- water saving products for your kitchen, laundry and bathroom
- how we can help with our WaterFix® Residential program- helping find and fix leaks in your home and installing water efficient devices
- how our WaterFix® Concealed Leaks program can help when the water use on your bill has increased, but you can't see any obvious reason for it.
10 easy ways to be water wise in your garden
Choosing plants
Plant for the climate and soil in your area. Check out our plant selector to choose water wise plants for your garden
Watering efficiently
Use watering cans or trigger nozzles on hoses so that you water the areas that need it. Read the CHOICE Hose nozzle test report to learn more about hose nozzles.
Water your garden before 10 am or after 4 pm to reduce water loss through evaporation.
Washing your car
Wash your car with a trigger nozzle on the lawn so that you water and fertilise the grass at the same time.
Weeding regularly
Remove weeds as soon as they sprout – they take water away from your plants.
Planting gardens
Group plants with similar needs together so they all get the right amount of water.
Watering your plants
Water each plant’s roots, not the leaves.
Mulching your plants
Apply 7-10 cm of mulch around your plants to help prevent water evaporating.
Cleaning hard surfaces
Use a broom or rake rather than a hose to clean your driveways and hard surfaces.
Covering your pool
Use a pool cover to save half your pool water from evaporating each year.
Find out more about:
- saving water in your garden and pool
- choosing garden watering systems
- installing and maintaining rainwater tanks
- using greywater.
If you'd like to know how we're reducing leaks and breaks in our water network, read about how we're maintaining our water supply.
Save water by turning taps off when soaping your hands. It's one of the many ways you can easily save water at home.