Avoid wasting water and use it more efficiently
Our residents have already made fantastic progress in reducing their potable water needs with personal daily consumption being reduced from 210 litres in 2003 down to 155 in 2010.
In order to secure long-term water availability we must continue to combat the effects of an increasing Melbourne population, and predicted lower rainfalls from the impacts of climate change.
Here’s just some of the actions you can take around the home to reduce your water use:
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Kitchen
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- Install flow restrictors or aerators in taps to reduce the flow of water and
- Only turn on the dishwasher when it’s full.
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Laundry
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- Only use the washing machine on a full load (use cold water to reduce energy use too!) and
- Choose a washing machine that has at least a 4 star WELS rating.
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Bathroom
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- Keep your showers to four minutes or less and
- Install a water efficient showerhead.
- Brush your teeth/ shave without the tap running and
- Install a dual flush toilet.
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Garden
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- Choose drought tolerant plants
- Fix leaking taps
- Don’t water after a heavy rainfall period and
- Use mulch in and around plants to reduce evaporation losses.
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Using alternative water sources
For residents, one of the best ways to do this is by installing a rainwater tank. Rainwater tanks collect water from the gutters of your roof that would normally enter stormwater drains. Once collected rainwater can be used instead of potable water for:
- Washing machines
- Toilets; and
- Plant watering.
In addition, when used safely grey water (the wastewater, from your washing machine, shower, bath and basins) can be another alternative water source for garden irrigation.
For more information on using grey water download our Sustainable Gardening Booklet or visit the Environmental Protection Authority website for updates on regulatory requirements.
Please note: Residents who choose to use alternative water sources may be eligible for rebates.
Improving water quality entering our waterways
Water that runs off your property via your gutters or ground surface enters stormwater drains and into our creeks and waterways.
Residents can improve the health of our waterways through a number of simple actions:
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Roofs and gutters
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Ground surface/ driveways
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- Fix cars leaking oil or other fluids onto driveway surfaces
- Stop plant (leaves, glass clippings etc) and soil matter being washed away from your property
- Reduce erosion by retaining and improving vegetation
- Grade driveways and other surfaces to drain into vegetated areas
- Don’t over irrigate garden areas to prevent excess runoff
- Keep your nature strip tidy
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