Spitting Into the Wind

We've had some rain lately, but far too little to break the drought. Dams are still empty, and the Murrumbidgee River is the lowest I've ever seen it.

With dry weather conditions continuing, more and more extreme water restrictions are being introduced. Here are some small and simple things you can do at home that can have a huge impact on the amount of water wasted everyday -

• Shorten your shower by a minute - or better still try to limit your shower to five minutes or less.
• Install water saving taps and showerheads.
• Fix leaking taps and toilets - Research has shown that an average of 8% (or more) of all home water use is wasted through leaks.
• Only wash full loads of laundry in your washing machine or dishes in your dishwasher - this will help save water and energy.
• Don't pre-rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher - if your dishwasher is clear it shouldn't need pre-rinsing.
• Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth and use a glass of water for rinsing.
• If you wash dishes by hand, do not leave the tap flowing - fill up the sink to wash.
• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, steps and footpaths.
• Wash your car with water from a bucket.
• Water garden plants and lawn during the coolest part of the day - normally between 6am - 10am or 6pm - 10pm.
• Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface.
• Use native plants in landscaping when possible - they require less care and less water.
• Cover your swimming pool when not in use to prevent evaporation.
• Adjust the lawn mower to a higher setting to provide natural ground shade and to promote water retention by the soil.

If we all did just one or two things to reduce our water use, we'll all benefit in the long term.