Tap into water wise ways this summer

South Australians are no strangers to being water savvy, and with the state’s dry conditions expected to persist during the coming months, SA Water is encouraging South Australians to keep these habits going over summer.

During the past 20 years, our water use has remained steady at 130,000 litres per person per year, a reduction from 190,000 litres per person per year in the early 2000s. This improvement in efficiency is now saving more than 100 billion litres per year.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Water Futures and Security Dr Ashley Kingsborough said South Australians embraced significant changes to how water is used and this sustained shift deserves to be congratulated.

“Simple measures, such as watering your garden in the early morning or late evening to minimise evaporation and fixing dripping taps, can help reduce daily water usage,” Dr Kingsborough said.

“One of the biggest opportunities for saving water is in the bathroom, where more than half of household water is used.

“Consider keeping your shower time to four minutes or less and installing a water-efficient showerhead.

“Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving can also make a big difference in minimising water use in this part of the house.

“In the kitchen, make full use of dishwashers by only running them with a full load, and for those who hand wash dishes, filling a basin rather than letting the tap run can save litres of water every time.”

With a few simple water wise tips, gardens can also thrive throughout the summer heat, using strategies such as mulching, choosing native plants and watering efficiently to reduce water waste.

“Water at the base of a plant with a watering can, soaker hose or drip system, as plants benefit much more from a slow, deep watering than a quick splash,” Dr Kingsborough said.

“Water must sufficiently reach the roots, as too little water will only cover the upper soil.

“Oscillating and circular sprinklers will make watering larger areas more convenient and by installing a timer, there will be no stress of remembering when to water.

“It is also important not to overwater your plants as the weather heats up.

“A simple trick is to poke your finger down a few inches near the plant stem to check the root zone – if it feels dry, it will need to be watered, if it’s damp, check back again in a day or two.

“Mulching can work water-efficient wonders in the garden by reducing surface evaporation and limiting soil erosion. Mulch locks in moisture, regulates soil temperature and reduces the need for irrigation.

“Using native plants, which are naturally adapted to our climate, is another great way to use less water in your garden.

“We are anticipating a dry summer and this contribution from our customers is invaluable.

“Our water supply remains secure in South Australia given the flexibility of our water sources and good water availability in the Murray Darling Basin. Our major pipelines can continue accessing water from the River Murray to top up our reservoirs and meet customer demands around the state.”

More handy water wise tips for the house and garden can be found online at sawater.com.au.

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