The biggest water-users in the home are washing machines, showers, taps and toilets. Using water-efficient appliances and fixtures can save a great deal of money.
There are many options available to households to save water.

Low-flow fixtures: Low-flow fixtures are a good way to save water without compromising performance. Replacing your old tap can reduce water consumption from 15-18 L/min down to as little as 2 L/min. A low-flow showerhead (6L/min) will save up to $315 each year on water bills.

Leak detection and repair: Regular monitoring for leaks in plumbing and irrigation systems and prompt repair of any leaks can prevent water waste. Look for signs of leaks, such as water pooling under dishwashers or damp patches in the garden. You can check for a leak by:

1. reading the water meter
2. not using any water for an hour or two
3. reading the meter again.

If the reading has changed, you may have a leak. If you believe you may have a leak contact your plumber and ask them to find and repair it. You can find a licensed plumber, who is also a member of the Master Plumbers Association, at mpasa.com.au/find-a-plumber

Water-efficient appliances: Appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, taps, toilets) that are designed to use less water can save significant amounts of water over time. Choose appliances and fixtures with high Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating. Look for the WELS rating label to compare the water efficiency of appliances.

To ensure you save the most water from your dishwasher:
● choose one with a high efficiency rating and a half-wash or economy option
● only use your dishwasher when it is full
● using the dishwasher rinse setting instead of rinsing dishes under the tap
To save the most water while using your washing machine:
● choose a machine with at least a 4-star water rating and 3.5-star energy rating
● only using the washing machine when you have a full load
● choosing the right water level for the load.

Behavioural changes: There are small changes you can make in your day-to-day activities that can reduce large amounts of water over time. These include
● Reduce shower times and shower pressure
● Saving the water you waste waiting for water to warm (e.g. at the sink or shower) for use in the garden or other non-potable uses
● Reducing how regularly you wash your clothes

Need to Know

● Save water in the garden with rainwater tanks, smart irrigation systems and using greywater.
● You can also adjust how you water and maintain our gardens.

Rainwater Tanks : Rainwater collected from rooftops can be stored in tanks or cisterns, providing a free source of water for irrigation and or other non-potable (i.e. not for drinking) uses. There are many types of rainwater tanks to choose from:
● traditional stand-alone tanks can be installed anywhere on your property
● modular tanks are designed to be installed against the house to save space.

Rainwater tanks are usually low maintenance but some is needed to make sure you're collecting good, clean rainwater. You do not need to do regular chemical or microbiological testing of domestic rainwater tanks. To help with water quality, every rainwater tank must be fitted with:
● an overflow device
● a mosquito proof, non-degradable screen.

South Australian building rules require that new dwellings and some extensions or alterations, have an extra water supply. Applications lodged for new houses, extensions and alterations must detail how water saving requirements are being met. If rainwater tanks are being used, applications must include:
● the size of the tank
● location
● area of the catchment
● plumbing details for installation.

The storage capacity of the tank should be not less than one kilolitre. Rainwater tanks must be plumbed to a toilet, a water heater or to all cold water outlets in the laundry of the home. The same rules apply to new extensions or alterations where the area is greater than 50 square metres and includes a toilet, water heater or laundry cold water outlet. A licensed plumber must:
● install the piping system to deliver the rainwater to the water closet, water heater or cold water laundry outlets
● complete a certificate of compliance.

Smart Irrigation: There are a number of ways to a more efficient water usage in your garden, including equipment upgrades, and adjusting how you water and maintain your garden. Irrigation systems are an effective alternative to manual watering and sprinklers. They may cost more but they can pay off in reduced water usage over time.

Irrigation systems include:
●Drip systems that water the plants at the soil level, reducing evaporation.
●Smart irrigation systems that will prevent overwatering by adjusting watering schedules and quantities using sensors and weather data.

You can find many of these systems at your local hardware store or garden centre.

Greywater Recycling: Greywater systems collect, treat and recycle the house wastewater (greywater). Greywater is then reused for non-potable purposes (such as irrigation in the garden).  These systems can save a significant amount of water from sinks, showers and washing machines.

If you want to use greywater to water your garden, make sure you:
● don't use greywater on plants that might be eaten raw (e.g. tomatoes
● don't use greywater from your kitchen in your garden, as it contains harmful micro-organisms and small particles

Before installing a greywater system you need to get approval for each part of your system and each approval comes from a different place:

● treatment - for approval of the treatment process and use of greywater, talk to SA Health,
● development - planning and development of proposed greywater systems is approved by Council, and
● installation you need approval to divert greywater from existing systems. If you are in a sewered area, or in an area with a Septic Tank Effluent Drainage (STED) scheme, you will need approval. To find out more about how to do that, contact SA Health. If you need to change your plumbing system, you need approval from the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR). Make sure you have all approvals before you do this.

Watering and Gardening Behaviours: By adjusting your watering behaviours you can increase the efficiency of your water use in the garden:

● watering in the morning or afternoon in the cooler part of the day can reduce evaporation,
● directly watering plants at the soil,
● use mulch or garden over to reduce the rate of water evaporation, and
● plant native or drought-resistant plants that require less water can reduce your water usage around the garden. Native plants can also help regenerate the environment and add to local biodiversity.

There are a range of resources available to identify native plants that are suitable for your area. Ask your local nursery or council. The Alexandrina Community Nursery grows a wide variety of local native plants.

A changing climate will mean lower rainfall and more frequent and intense heatwaves.
We all need to think about how we can save water, reduce our water bills and adapt our gardens. There are many options available to households to save water.

Being smart about how we use water can also help manage water shortages. Small changes to how you use water can make a big difference.

● Saving water in the home - choose water efficient appliances and change your water usage habits.
● Saving water in the garden – be smart about how and when you water your garden and choose the right kinds of plants to survive and thrive in a drier climate.