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Tips

Water 

• Remember - Level 3 mandatory water restrictions now apply across Sydney, Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. Visit Sydney Water for details.
• In 2003/04, Sydney's 1.5 million households (with 4.2 million people) used 563,000 megalitres of water. You can help conserve water in the garden by maintaining irrigation systems, keeping garden beds well mulched, pruned and free of weeds.
• Water in small dams can be protected from blue-green algae by dosing with gypsum and alum. These chemicals work by removing phosphorus from the water.
• Replace hard surfaces in your garden or grounds with grass or garden beds to reduce stormwater run-off.
• Growing native plants and putting up nest boxes can attract wildlife as well as reducing water use, avoiding pesticides and reducing maintenance.
• Save water by keeping the chemical balance of pool water right. You'll not only save money in chemicals but you won't have to empty your pool unnecessarily.
• By using an inexpensive swimming pool cover, you can reduce evaporation and therefore water loss. This can save more than half the water in your pool over a year.
• Rainwater tanks can provide an additional source of water for your garden. Before installation, check if your council requires a development application.
• Save water by fitting a dual-flush toilet.
• Replace lawns with native grasses, which require less water.
• Save water by always washing with a full load.
• Plant windbreaks to reduce the drying effect of wind in your garden.
• Group plants with similar watering needs so you don't waste water on plants that don't need it.
• Use a trigger nozzle on your hose in the garden to help ensure water only goes where its needed.
• Soak pot plants for a few minutes in a sink or bucket of water. The water will soak in, push out trapped air in the soil so your plants will be healthier and you use less water.
• Plant Australian native plants that need less water.
• Reuse laundry water to water your garden.
• Install a AAA-rated showerhead – you can save around 10 litres of water a minute.