Saving water in the garden and outdoors
The little things we do outdoors and in the garden can make a big difference to help our water supply last longer, in any weather.
Gardens
Maintaining our gardens uses a big amount of water, with up to 30% of household water being used outside.
- Keep watering to before 10am or after 4pm to reduce evaporation during hotter times of the day.
- Check if your plants actually need watering by poking your finger into the soil. They don't need more water if it's still moist below the surface.
- Use compost or soil additives to improve soil structure and help retain moisture. Poor soil can repel water, even if your plant is thirsty.
- Mulch is a great way to maintain your garden through periods of low rainfall. It keeps the soil cool and reduces evaporation by up to 70 per cent.
- Pick the right season for your garden activities. For example, make sure there’s plenty of time for new plants or lawn to settle in before the summer heat.
Lawns
- Choose a low-maintenance or drought-tolerant lawn species. Ask your local nursery for advice on what grass type to suit your location.
- Choosing a good soil base will help your new lawn settle in faster. After laying your new turf, aerate the soil occasionally with a garden fork to help water soak in.
- Water your lawn for longer, but less often. A good soaking every now and then is ideal. This encourages deeper roots and drought tolerance. A good soaking every now and then is ideal.
- Keep your lawn longer to help retain moisture. Mow only the top third of the leaf area, leaving it three centimetres or higher.
Keep your tank in tip top shape
Catching rain in your tank is a great way to make the most of rainy season so you have plenty of water to maintain your garden through dry periods.
Rainwater tanks can also help manage stormwater and take pressure off our network.
Hard surfaces
- Use a broom, brush, blower or rake to sweep and clean outdoor paths and paving instead of hosing them down with water.
- Spot clean any marks using a hose with a trigger nozzle or a high-pressure cleaner.
- Fill a bucket and use a sponge to remove extra stubborn marks.
Vehicles
- Wash the car on the lawn using biodegradable cleaning chemicals to water your grass at the same time.
- Use a bucket or a hose fitted with a trigger nozzle.
- Wash with greywater from your bath or shower.
Pools
- During hot weather, the sun can evaporate your pool’s water (like our dams!).
- Pool blankets float on the water's surface and, if used with a roller, can be easily removed before pool use and then spread out again after you have finished swimming for the day.
- Pool covers are generally more expensive than pool blankets as they require a roller for storage. Unlike a pool blanket, they cover the whole pool with no gaps, preventing even more evaporation.
- Covering your pool with shade cloth can also help reduce evaporation and protect swimmers from the sun.