How to save water at home

The Department of Primary Industries reports on drought conditions in its NSW State Seasonal Update. It includes a summary, the weather outlook and climate drivers, and a breakdown of conditions across different regions of the state.

It's not only people in rural areas who must take action during droughts. Everyone can do their bit to save water and improve the drought resilience of their home and property.

In NSW, water restrictions are usually set by local councils. Check your local council website for the latest information. You can also check water restrictions in NSW on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Some councils may trigger water restrictions while others may ask residents to follow water use guidelines, rather than restrictions.

Find out more about water restrictions.

In times of drought, water is a precious resource. There are many easy things we can do to reduce our use.

In the kitchen

• Only run the dishwasher when it's full.
• Don't use running water to defrost food. Thaw food in the fridge or microwave.
• Put a plug in the sink when you rinse your fruit and vegetables.

In the bathroom and laundry

• Limit showers to 4 minutes or less. Every minute in the shower uses the equivalent of 1 bucket of water.
• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and wash your face.
• Use towels and wear your clothes more than once, if they're not dirty.
• Use the half-flush button on the toilet.
• Only run the washing machine with a full load.
• Fix leaking taps and running toilets.

In the garden

• Wash your car on the lawn.
• Use a broom, not the hose, to clean your driveway and deck.
• Put a trigger nozzle on your hose or use a watering can.
• Water the garden when it's cooler to avoid losing water to evaporation. The best times to water are before 10am or after 4pm.
• Use mulch to keep moisture in the soil.
• Water the roots of each plant, rather than the leaves.

If you have a pool

• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, and don't overfill your pool.
• Add shade and shelter around your pool to reduce evaporation.
• Repair any leaks you find.

To find your water usage, read your water meter or your bill.

You can then try to reduce your water use over the next 3 months, or aim for the water efficiency targets calculated by Sydney Water.

If your water usage is much higher than expected for the size of your household, you may need to check for leaks.

Droughts are expected to be more frequent and more severe with the impacts of climate change. It is worthwhile thinking about the longer-term steps you can take to prepare your home for a hotter, drier climate.

• Choose drought-resistant and native plants for your garden. Choose a resilient grass type if you're laying a new lawn.
• Mulch garden beds to prevent evaporation and reduce weeds.
• When it's time to buy new appliances, showers or taps, choose wisely. Check the rating on the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) label. You may be able to save money through Sydney Water's WaterFix Residential program.
• Consider installing a rainwater tank. Sydney Water has a guide to rainwater tanks, but you should check the rules with your local council.
• Consider installing a greywater system. Greywater is the wastewater from your shower, bath, basins and washing machine. Greywater can be used in your garden, but it's important to do so safely.

See the Australian Government's Your Home website for more advice on making your home and garden climate resilient.

If you are experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for free plumbing repairs. Sydney Water customers can apply through PlumbAssist.

Contact your local council to find out what other support is available.

The Sydney Water WaterFix Residential program can help you save water at home. Find out more on the WaterFix website.

Business customers of Sydney Water can use the WaterFix Commercial service to find out if their business is wasting water and where they can improve efficiency.