What you can do

Living Sustainably

Waterwise

Did you know?

Water is a precious resource we need to conserve today.

Fact

Businesses use almost 20% of Sydney's water. Your business could save up to 30% of the water bill through reducing consumption and using water wisely.

Remember – Level 3 mandatory water restrictions now apply across Sydney, Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. For other locations, check with your local council to find out what restrictions apply in your area.

What can I do?

Inside the workplace

Small changes can make a big difference to how much water you use in your business or workplace.

Easy ways to make a difference:

Turn your taps off lightly and replace washers as soon as they begin to leak – leaking taps can waste up to 200 litres of water a day
Install a timer to turn off equipment when not in use
Install lever or mixer taps (with a single lever or knob) so staff can find the right water temperature quickly
Install AAA-rated low flow taps or tap aerators that are more efficient than ordinary taps – specify low flow rates and maximum levels of fluctuation for fixtures
Install dual-flush toilets and efficient urinals – they use half as much water as conventional toilets
Install AAA-rated showerheads – you can save around 10 litres of water a minute
Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the tap
Minimise the distance between hot water units and taps – this will save water and the cost of unnecessary piping
Investigate ways to recycle wastewater or treat effluent – install a wastewater treatment system
Source AAA-rated dishwashers and encourage staff to wait until the dishwasher has a full load before they turn it on

Outside the Workplace

Is there a garden or outdoor area at your workplace or business?

Easy ways to make a difference:

Use mulch to reduce water lost from evaporation and to control weeds
Use recycled composted mulch in roadside landscaping
Choose plants that are suited to your local soil and weather conditions, as they may not require additional watering
Group plants with similar watering needs together
Plant trees and windbreaks to give shade and reduce evaporation
Reduce lawn areas – or select varieties that require less water and only water when necessary #
Replace lawn areas with porous paving, pebbles or drought-tolerant ground covers
Use surface materials that maximise water absorption and reduce surface run-off
Water in the evening or in the cool of the morning to reduce evaporation #
Install drip irrigation systems so that water is delivered exactly where it is required
Review and adjust irrigation systems regularly to suit the changes in season and plant demands #
Monitor and fine-tune watering systems, install timers and check regularly for leaks, faults and wastage #
Investigate rainwater tanks and other stormwater collection devices

# Check water restrictions. Exemptions are available. If you are seeking an exemption, please apply to your local water authority.