Water saving ideas

• Install an efficient low-flow tap, aerator or a water flow-reducer attachment on your tap and this will help reduce water usage
• Always turn taps off so they do not drip

• When hand-washing dishes, never run water continuously
• When using a dishwasher only wash full loads, and use the shortest cycle possible. Many dishwashers have a water conservation cycle

• When cleaning fruit and vegetables, wash them in a partially filled sink and then rinse them quickly under the tap

• Keep a bottle of chilled drinking water in your refrigerator instead of running your tap until the water gets cool each time you want some water

Run cold water into a bucket for re-use on the garden before the hot water starts to flow

• Try and encourage the family to take short 4 minute showers
• Short showers use less water than baths, but if you still prefer bathing, avoid overfilling the bath
• Capture shower water in a bucket while you are waiting for the hot water to heat up, your plants will love it

• Upgrade old toilets and install a modern dual flush cisterns
• Check regularly for toilet leaks, try putting a small amount of food colouring into the tank and observing whether it seeps to the bowl without flushing

• When shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather than running the tap continuously use short bursts of water to clean razors

• Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth and only turn the tap on to rinse or clean the brush

• Use aerators and/or water flow-reducer devices on all your taps

• Watch the weather forecast, if rain is coming you won’t need to water the garden
• Install a rainwater tank for garden use

• Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower to clean paths and driveways
• A pressure washer is more efficient in saving water than a garden hose, they have 10-50% more pressure and use up to 80% less water

• Make sure taps and hose fittings are not leaking, a dripping tap can waste more than 2000 litres a month
• A forgotten sprinkler can waste thousands of litres of water, install a timer to prevent wastage
• When watering the garden use a trigger nozzle hand held hose and only water were required

• Water your garden in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water evaporation
• Don't water when it is windy

• Choose the right plants, there are many water wise varieties available which require much less maintenance and watering
• Mulching the garden is a great way to reduce evaporation and water run-off. Good quality mulch will also provide nutrients and reduce weed growth

• Wash your car or boat on the lawn and water the grass at the same time.

• Wash only full loads in your washing machine
• Use the shortest cycle possible for washing clothes, and use the "suds-saver" feature if your machine has one
• If your washer has an adjustable water-level indicator, set the dial to use only as much water as is really necessary

• Use environmentally friendly washing products that can be captured and re-used on the garden
• Install a greywater system to capture your used washing water to re-use on your garden