Dripping taps

Regularly check taps, washers and pipes.
A dripping tap = up to 200 litres a day

Swimming pools

Cover swimming pools to reduce evaporation, allow rain to fill the balance.
Loss from a typical pool each day = up to 200 litres.

Washing vehicles

Wash all cars, boats and caravans on the lawn so the water is used wisely and waters your lawn at the same time.
Washing the car with a running hose = 50 -150 litres.

How to wash vehicles

Don't leave the hose running while you wash your vehicles. Limit water to a bucket, or use a fine spray and only spray water at the start and end of washing to rinse only.
Leaving the hose running = 1000 litres an hour.

Save water on the lawn

Watering

Water your gardens and lawns only twice a week. This causes both to grow hardier and the roots to grow deeper. Five to10 millimetres of water is sufficient to penetrate to the root zones of most plants and lawns.

When to water

It is important to check if your lawn really needs a drink. If the lawn springs back after stepping on it, it doesn't require watering.
Watering at the wrong time of day means up to 75% of water is lost through evaporation.

Sprinkler

When watering plants and lawns don't allow the sprinkler to spray unnecessarily over paved areas.
A forgotten sprinkler = up to 1,000 litres an hour.

Mowing

When mowing the lawn don't cut the grass shorter than 2cm. If the lawn is too short it will burn because it has no leaf protection. Taller grass also holds and contains water better.

Aerating

During summer aerate the soil to help improve its condition. Feed and don't over fertilise the lawn. Compost increases the moisture holding capacity of your soil.

Dry periods

Let lawns turn brown during dry seasons as it will recovery quickly after rain. Your lawn uses more water per square metre than any other part of your garden.

Save water in the garden

Xeriscape gardening

Xeriscape (xeros=dry, scape=land) is a term often used for water efficient gardens, and targets seven basic areas, planning, soil care, selection of plans, lawn care, irrigation, mulching and maintenance.  When applied together these techniques reduce water dramatically, however each technique on its own will have a significant impact.  The concept was first developed in North America, but has since emerged as a generic, holistic approach for water conservation in the garden.

Plant selection

Selecting the right plants for the garden that you require is important.  Think very carefully how you will want to use your garden, both now and in future years. The needs of a young family in their first home are very different to those of their parents who may be approaching retirement.

Families with children and animals need plenty of open space, suggesting a durable garden with tough plants which can stand some physical abuse and large areas of lawn. A retiring couple with time on their hands may become more active gardeners, suggesting more garden beds with more specialised and delicate plants. 

In addition to this, it is a great idea to consider drought tollerant plants, which will continue to grow without excess water use.

For more information on the right plants for your garden, use the savewater plant selector.

Hosing down

Use a broom rather than a hose to clean outdoor paths.
Hosing down = up to 1,000 litres an hour.

Watering systems

Install a watering system with a moisture sensor. This avoids over watering from a forgotten sprinkler and ensuring that watering only occurs when needed. A water gun nozzle also saves water.
A typical drip feed system = between 2 - 8 litres per hour.

When to water

Water plants only in the early morning or evening around dusk. Avoid watering in windy or sunny conditions as much of the water is lost in evaporation and can cause damage to the leaves.
Watering at the wrong time of the day means up to 75% of water is lost through evaporation.

How to water

Water the roots not the leaves. Only water twice a week to encourage the plants to grow hardier and for their roots to grow deeper. Choose drought resistant species for your garden.

Mulching

Using a good mulch on the garden helps hold the moisture. A good mulch will help reduce evaporation by approximately 75%. Remove weeds as they use water for which your plants compete.

  For more information on water conservation email us on or visit the savewater website.