Squeeze the most out of every drop

News that Sydneysiders are facing water restrictions for the first time in almost a decade highlights the need for everyone in the community to be vigilant with their water use.

While the level of Eurobodalla’s water storage Deep Creek Dam is above 90 per cent, Eurobodalla Council is continuing to urge residents to reduce wasteful water use to help secure our long-term supply.

Council’s sustainability education officer Gillian Kearney said permanent water conservation measures were in place year-round to help residents be water-wise.

“With cooler weather and less demand for water, it’s easy to forget that it is still important to use our drinking water supply wisely,” she said.

“Our permanent water conservation measures are simple common-sense ways residents can curb their water use. They include things like avoiding washing paths, decks and driveways when a broom would suffice, washing cars and boats on grass using buckets, and limiting all outdoor water use – like watering the garden - to between 5pm and 10am to prevent water loss through evaporation.”

Ms Kearney said there were plenty of other ways residents could save water at home, starting in the garden, which typically used the lion’s share of domestic water at around 33 per cent.

“Council offers free water-wise and bush-friendly garden visits to help residents establish a garden that uses less water, is easier to maintain and attracts native birds and insects,” she said.

“Council also offers rebates for 4.5-star WELS-rated washing machines and for the replacement of single-flush toilets with dual-flush 3-star WELS-rated toilets. These save water with every use, on a daily basis.

“You could also make a commitment to limiting showers to five minutes or less, and if your household has an old showerhead with a flow rate of 20 litres or more, you can bring it into Council and swap it for a free WELS-rated water efficient one to cut the water use from 20 litres to nine litres a minute.”

Ms Kearney said a large contributor to water waste, and large water bills, was leaks.

“Leaking cisterns or dripping taps should be fixed as soon as possible,” she said.

“Your hip pocket will thank you and you’ll help to save our drinking water supply for the warmer months when demand is higher.”

Learn more about being water-wise here.