Water

Reducing your water use has lots of great benefits for the environment! Read on to find out how you can Switch Your Thinking around your household water use.

Perth is becoming one of the driest cities in Australia? Households represent 53% of all water consumption in Perth and every drop of water you save in:

Perth's winter rainfall is predicted to decrease by up to

0 % by 2030
RETHINK WATER USE

Ways to Save Water

CLEANING DISHES

Run dishwasher on fast cycle where it uses 15 litres compared to 20 litres for a normal cycle. Run it on full load.

BE EFFICIENT WHEN WASHING CLOTHES

Use a front loader machine that uses 50 litres on a normal cycle compared to 120-150 litres for a top loader.  Run it on the full load if possible.

SHOWER SHORTER

Take short showers, use water efficient taps and showerheads. A water saving shower head uses 9 litres per minute compared to the 18 litres per minute of the ordinary one.

DUAL FLUSH

Use dual flush toilets, they use 3 litres for half flush and 6 litres for full flush compared to single flulsh toilets that uses 9-11 litres. Make sure to always use the button appropriately. 

KEEP IT COVERED

If you have a pool or spa, use a pool blanket. Not only will this reduce water evaporation by up 55 litres per day in summer, it will keep your pool or spa warmer and cleaner. 

PURCHASE EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

Look for products rated three stars or higher by the Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS). Water efficiency information for most second-hand goods can be found with a quick search online. Check Rewards for residents program of Switch your Thinking and save on water efficient appliances.

HARVEST RAINWATER

Collect rainwater in tanks to use it for all outdoor use and also for toilet and laundry use. Try to get the largest size of the tank based on your roof area so that you can maximise what you can collect during winter.  

ELIMINATE WASTE

Fix leaks around the house. A three drops per second leak wastes 68 litres of water per day. The Water Corporation publishes a list of waterwise plumbers if you need a professional..

KNOW YOUR WATER USE

Calculate your water consumption embedded in the products and services you use with The Water Footprint Network.

GET A WATER AUDIT KIT

Use water audit kit to calculate your water usage. Several online kits are available

REDUCE WATER USAGE IN THE GARDEN

The Swan Coastal Plain is known for its sandy soil that loses moisture quickly when exposed to sun. Mulch your garden with five to 10 centimeters of mulch to improve your soil. You can shred your own garden pruning or check with your Council to see if they have a free or discounted mulch service. 

USE GREYWATER

Use treated greywater in your garden.

STORMWATER

Make sure all stormwater from your property seeps underground through soakwells or direct through swales into your garden.

ZONE IT

Choose drought resistant or native plants and try to group plants with the same water needs together. Water once on your assigned watering day and respect Perth’s winter sprinkler ban between 1 June and 31 August. Check your watering days.

Want to save more water?

Get bore water smart.  Garden bores draw from our limited shallow groundwater and bore water needs to be used conservatively. If you have a garden bore you receive one additional watering day in spring, summer and autumn.  Or maybe consider installing a greywater system! Greywater is used household water from laundry and bathrooms (but not the toilet). 

Other Ways to Switch

Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.