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Small, simple actions add up to big changes. You can reduce your water usage (and wastage) around the home and garden, and save money on your water bill, by following these eight simple steps.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets.
Showers use a lot of water. You can make great water-saving gains by limiting a shower session to five minutes. Use a timer (or play your favourite song) to keep track of time until it becomes a habit. Also, while you’re waiting for the water to warm, pop a bucket underneath the flow to collect the water, which you can then use in your garden.
Tip: This water collection trick also works well with baths and sinks. Basically, while you’re waiting for water to warm up, collect the cold water – don't waste it. Don’t use water captured during your shower or while washing dishes, however, as this will have soap in it.
More and more products with water-saving technologies are available for your home. Ensure that all of your toilets are dual flush. Install a water-saving showerhead in the bathroom. Look for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating – the higher the rating, the less water it uses. (WELS labels are an easy way to compare the water efficiency of different products.)
Choose a dishwasher with a high WELS rating, as well. The dishwasher is the thirstiest appliance in the kitchen. The higher the WELS rating, the more water efficient it will be.
The little things really do add up. Fix any leaky taps – that's a straightforward way to save water and protect your home from potential water damage. Also, there’s no need to pre-wash dishes before loading the dishwasher (a quick wipe will do), but wait until the dishwasher has a full load before turning it on. These types of mindful choices make all the difference.
Mulch and compost are a gardener’s secret weapons. Not only do they improve the soil in your garden, they also help retain moisture and reduce run-off, minimising the need for watering.
A water-efficient garden is easy to set up and it will save you time and money over time. Use water-saving products like soaker hoses and dripper systems. These help to release water slowly, reducing the risk of run-off. Soil wetters are another easy fix, helping to absorb water and reduce run-off.
Install tap timers. They control the flow of water from the tap to your garden or lawn and can help you monitor and control how long you’re running your watering systems for. They can be set to irrigate for defined periods (10 minutes, for example) and set at intervals, such as every 12 hours. Smart tap timers take things even further. They can monitor flow rates and allow you to adjust your watering schedule based on moisture sensor readings or the weather forecast.
Tip: Water your garden in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation.
Covering your pool or spa when it’s not in use prevents water evaporation.
Install a water tank to harvest your rainwater for use in appliances or the garden. Collecting rainwater (whether you live in an urban or rural area) allows you to maximise every drop of water, helping you save money on water bills. Water tanks also help reduce run-off, which protects storm drains and waterways.
Installing a grey water diverter hose is another simple and cost-effective way to reduce water wastage (and your water bill). Grey water diverter hoses drain used water from your bathroom or laundry into buckets, or directly into your garden.
There are certain best practice rules to follow regarding grey water. It may contain viruses or bacteria, so don’t use it on edible plants or in misting systems. Always disperse it above the ground, as the sunlight will help sterilise it to some degree. Also, make sure you don’t concentrate the grey water on one area, as you can overload the soil with ingredients found in soaps and detergents. Most importantly, don’t drink it. Use purple recycled watering products to help people identify that the water is not safe for drinking. (Purple-coloured products such as hoses indicate that recycled water is in use.)
Tip: Check with your council before setting up a grey water system, as each state has compliance regulations regarding treatment and diversion systems.
We’re sharing eight tips for saving energy.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
