Tips on saving water

According to a report by the Queensland Water Commission, residents of South East Queensland use about 112 litres of water a day. It’s hard to fathom that on average, every person was using almost 300 litres a day a few years ago.

Every day, there are many simple and practical things we can do in the house or at work to conserve water, save money and help the environment.

Drinking water
Keep a container of drinking water in the fridge so that you don’t run water down the plughole waiting for the water to cool

Thawing frozen foods
Thaw frozen foods in the fridge or microwave rather than placing them under running water.

Washing vegetables
Save water by washing vegetables and rinsing dishes in a plugged sink or basin – not under a running tap

Cooking vegetables
Microwave, steam or use a pressure cooker to cook vegetables, to retain more flavour and use less water than traditional boiling

Washing
Wait for a full load of washing before reaching for the detergent as every load less saves 17 buckets of water

Bathroom
Put a plug in the sink when shaving rather than rinsing your razor under running water

Shorter showers
Take shorter showers. Every minute less in the shower saves one bucket of water

Install a water saving showerhead
Consider installing a AAA rated water saving showerhead and save on water and energy costs

Half flush toilet
Use the half flush and save up to four buckets of water per day

Repair leaking toilets
Check for leaks in your toilet by adding food dye to the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl within half an hour, it is time to do some DIY or call a qualified plumber

Plant selection
Before buying plants for your garden, find out which plants are most compatible with the climate and soil in your area

Planting new garden beds
Group plants with similar watering needs together, as this helps ensure they all receive the correct amount of water

Watering efficiently
Use watering cans or trigger nozzles on hoses so that you water only those areas that need it

Watering your plants
Water the base of plants, not the leaves. Check how quickly the soil absorbs the water before it runs off

Watering your lawn
Check if your lawn needs to be watered by walking on it. If an impression of your foot remains, it needs water

Mulching
Applying a layer of mulch at a depth of 7-10cm around plants will reduce water evaporation by up to 70%

Washing your car
Wash your car on the lawn so that you water the fertilise the grass at the same time. Car shampoos use phosphates that are similar to many fertilisers

Cleaning
Always use a broom or rake rather than a hose to clear driveways and pathways of debris

Water crystals
Add water crystals to soil to enhance water retention by up to 40%

Weeding
Remove weeds as soon as they spring up – they are not only shelter pests and diseases, but are notorious water thieves too