Household Water

In order to reduce our impact on the environment, it is important to conserve water and follow the NSW Government'sWater Wise Guidelines. Using less water in your home, reusing water or harvesting rainwater is simple and can also save you money on water and energy bills. What can we do to conserve and value clean water in Willoughby?

Water saving tips for your home and garden

Kitchen

  • Purchase water-efficient appliances – Look out for the WELS star rating label when you buy your new appliances and check waterrating.gov.au for a list of water-efficient products that can save money and help the environment.
  • Only use the dishwasher when you have a full load and use a water-saving setting.
  • Don’t rinse dishes under the tap, scrape excess food into your compost or bin instead.
  • Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl of water, not under a running tap, and use the water afterwards in the garden.
  • Catch running water whilst waiting for it to warm up. Use it to water plants, rinse dishes or wash fruit and vegetables.
  • Insulate hot water pipes to save water and energy.

Bathroom and Laundry

  • Have four minute showers, use a shower timer if needed.
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Install water-efficient showerheads, add aerators to your taps and a dual-flush toilet.
  • Use a bucket to collect shower water whilst waiting for it to get hot and use to water plants.
  • If you need to run a bath, only fill the bathtub with as much water as needed. Use less for children and pets.
  • Only wash clothes when needed and spot clean stains instead.
  • Always run your washing machine on a full load and/or adjust the water level to suit the size of the wash load.
  • Choose a water-efficient front loader over a top loader. Check the WELS star rating.
  • Use an eco-mode setting when possible. 

Garden and Pools

  • Install a rainwater tank and use it to water the garden, fill the pool, wash the car etc.
  • Reuse water with a greywater system.
  • Use a broom to sweep paved areas instead of a hose.
  • Use a trigger hose, bucket or watering can when watering the garden or washing your car (and wash on the lawn).
  • To reduce evaporation, use mulch around plants, water at dawn or dusk and avoid watering on windy days.
  • Consider installing self-watering wicking beds.
  • Select drought-tolerant plants to reduce water needs. For plants to survive dry conditions, it is recommended that you use local, indigenous plants that are adapted to the conditions of the area where you live in terms of topography, micro-climate and soil conditions. Refer to our Native Plants page for a comprehensive list of local native flora or ask for advice from your local nursery.
  • Clean up your property to avoid polluting stormwater.
  • When updating your home include Water Sensitive Urban Design components in your design.
  • A backyard pool can increase water consumption by 10%. Follow a few simple tips to save on having to continually refill from the tap.

     

Leaks

  • Check regularly for leaks. Turn off all taps and water-using devices and check the water meter before and after. If the numbers have changed, you have a leak.
  • Fix leaking taps with a new washer.
  • For leaking toilets or other major leaks, contact a licensed plumber.
  • In times of drought, Sydney Water offers a WaterFix program – free appointments with licensed plumbers to check for leaks, help with repair work and provide free or discounted water-saving appliances.

 

Save money on your hot water

What do you think uses the most power in your home? The answer may not be what you expect. Let’s have a closer look at how much power your hot water system uses and how to reduce it, in this video with Your Energy Friend:

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