Using less water not only saves you money but uses less energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The Water Smart Garden and Homes Rebate Scheme
For State Government rebates on selected water saving products, visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/saving/home/rebates
or call Western Water on 1300 650 422 to request an application form.
Water Wise
This Victorian Government program offers retrofit assistance to eligible households experiencing high water costs as a result of faulty or inefficient water fixtures.
For more information, visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/concessions/entitlements/view-all/water-and-sewerage/waterwise
Our top ten water conservation tips for the home and garden:
1. You could save up to 20,000 litres of water per year if you register for a free water-efficient showerhead.
2. Register for a free shower timer and limit your showers to 4 minutes. With an efficient showerhead you will use 36 litres per 4-minute shower compared to 80 litres per shower with an inefficient showerhead. Try turning off the shower while soaping or shampooing, then turn it on again for rinsing.
3. Consider using rainwater or greywater on your garden. Learn about the rebates available through the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative at www.environment.gov.au/water/programs/nrgi
4. Use mulch (straw, woodchips, pebbles etc) on your garden beds to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch will also help to minimise weeds that compete for water. Read our fact sheet about saving water in the garden.
5. When purchasing new plants, consider their water needs. Many native Australian plants need little water.
6. A running tap can use nine litres of water per minute. Put the plug in when you wash your hands, vegetables or dishes and turn off the tap when you have enough water in the sink. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and save up to five litres of water each time.
7. Fix leaking taps. A leak of one drop per second wastes 7,000 litres of water per year.
8. Install a dual-flush toilet and use only 3 to 4.5 litres of water per flush, compared to older 11 litre single-flush toilets.
9. When buying a new washing machine or dishwasher, choose a water efficient model. The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme can help you choose wisely.
10. Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher.
For more conservation tips, read our fact sheet about saving water in the home.