behaviour and preferences of household members that impact on water use: efficient use of appliances knowledge of leak detection techniques knowledge of WELS ratings limit inefficient water use: car washing washing of external surfaces reduce showering time use of appliances use of hot water use of settings, programming, timers and other controls on appliances and irrigation systems external water services: domestic irrigation and reticulation systems: check for drips and leaks check for correct placement of system check timing and duration of use undertake regular maintenance use gardening practices that reduce water usage use recycled water use timers and control devices use substrata (under the mulch) drip irrigation evaporative coolers: check for drips and leaks check size of appliances relative to household requirements, as appropriate maintain appliances reduce dumping/bleed-off rates reduce water supply pressure reset thermostats and timers, where applicable use discharge water on lawns and grass areas spas and spa pools: check for drips and leaks keep spa or spa pool water in correct condition to avoid emptying polluted water never over-fill a spa pool use backwash minimisation system use spa pool cover swimming pools: check for drips and leaks ensure pool has suitable overhanging pavers or decking to keep splash-out to a minimum install shade sails and wind covers to minimise evaporation keep pool water in correct condition to avoid emptying polluted water never over-fill a pool use backwash minimisation system use pool cover water tank to collect rainfall to top up pool as needed taps and hoses: check for drips and leaks install pressure valves fit flow restrictors internal water services: appliances: check for drips and leaks check size of appliances relative to household requirements, as appropriate check WELS ratings consider necessity of having multiple appliances maintain appliances replace with appliances that have different cycles replace with water efficient appliances set timers, where applicable use appropriate program settings use in compliance with manufacturer instructions use with full loads showers, check for: drips and leaks flow cut-off valves flow restrictors low-flow shower heads shower timers smart metering of shower use WELS rating tap equipment, check for: drips and leaks flow regulators tap aerators valves WELS rating toilets, check for: drips and leaks dual and reduced flush systems water saving and displacement devices for single flush toilets WELS rating water efficient gardening practices: drought tolerant planting mulching replacing lawns lawn alternatives composts and manures on soil rainwater and greywater water efficient irrigation systems water efficient watering practices weeding. |