We all have to be careful about the amount of water we use, even when not in drought. Conserving water can save you money and helps the environment.
The South East Queensland (SEQ) Adaptive Drought Response Approach outlines response triggers relating to current combined dam levels in SEQ.
Some quick easy tips for saving water and saving money are:
- Turn the tap off when brushing teeth – this can save nine litres a minute.
- Installing a 3-star water-efficient shower head will use no more than nine litres of water per minute.
- Take shorter showers, ideally less than four minutes.
- Fix leaking taps.
Seqwater and Queensland Government also have some great household water saving tips.
Water saving products
It is possible to place various devices and products in your home to ensure efficient use of water. A few have been outlined below.
Harvesting rain
Water tanks can be installed to harvest rainwater.
Rainwater is an alternative water resource to our dams, and encourages sustainable water use. Rainwater harvesting reduces the reliance of domestic and business on mains water. It also enhances the protection of our waterways by reducing stormwater run-off.
For further information, read Queensland Government’s advice on rainwater tanks.
Greywater use
Greywater is waste water sourced from the bath, shower, bathroom sink and laundry. Kitchen sink greywater is not suitable due to food particles and oils.
Greywater use for garden irrigation is a great option to save household water consumption and to keep your garden and lawn healthy all year round.
For information about installing greywater facilities, visit Using greywater.
Irrigation and sprinklers
An efficient backyard irrigation system can be created with good gardening practices and installation of water-efficient products.
An efficient product will have a maximum flow-rate of nine litres per minute, and have a timer with 30 minute capability. Examples of irrigation products and devices are a dripper, fixed sprinkler head, micro-sprayer and drip-line pressure compensated.
A list of products accredited by Smart Approved Watermark are available at their website.
Useful links
Dam levels (Seqwater)
Water wise hints and tips (Seqwater)
The Realities of rain (Seqwater)
Water for Life water security program (Seqwater)
Water security and consumption update (Seqwater)
Using water wisely (Queensland Government)
Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Scheme (Queensland Government)
Water (YourHome website)