Saving water in the workplace

To increase your water efficiency and save money, start by working out how much water your business uses and where it's being used. This will help you to determine the best areas to focus on.

1. Check your water rates notice and contact your water supplier for information on how much water you use in each area of your business.
2. Compare your water usage against Sydney Water's water-efficiency benchmarks.
3. Consider appointing a water manager or team to identify where you can save water and set targets for your workplace.

Everyone can play a part when it comes to saving water at work.

• Develop a water efficiency strategy, set goals and highlight your successes.
• Your leadership team should champion water-saving policies and procedures.
• Encourage staff to save water through water conservation training, water-saving tips and opportunities to share their own ideas.
• Include water-efficiency policies and procedures in staff inductions.
• Raise awareness through events such as National Water Week.

You can reduce your water and energy bills by installing water-efficient products, including:

• showers
• taps
• dishwashers
• dual flush toilets
• urinals
• air conditioning.

For help on what products to buy, visit the Australian Government Water Rating website.

• Install rainwater tanks, if possible.
• Use a broom, not the hose, to clean your workplace.
• Use drought-tolerant plants.
• Water plants in the coolest part of the day.

Depending on what type of business you operate, you may be able to use greywater.

Using greywater is safe when it's used properly, but it can spread disease if precautions are not taken. Read about using greywater safely.

In NSW, water restrictions are usually set by local councils. Some councils may enforce restrictions while others request use of water-use guidelines. Find out more about water restrictions.

Check your local council website for the latest information.

You can also check water restrictions in NSW on the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Read Sydney Water's 7-point plan on how to improve your water efficiency.

If you're a Sydney Water business customer, you can use the WaterFix Commercial service to find out if you are using more water than you need.

Medium-to-large businesses with high water use may be eligible for a water-efficiency grant to help to reduce water usage.

If you think there might be a leak on your property, WaterFix Concealed Leaks is a service that helps find and repair hidden leaks.

Smart Water Advice is designed to help businesses, councils and water utilities increase community awareness of water efficiency.

Hunter Water also offers advice on areas of focus to help you reduce your water usage.