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USEFUL LINKS WATER CONSERVATION
Fresh water is a precious and finite resource. Only 3% of world water is fresh, 2% is ice leaving only 1% available for human activities .In the last 100 years global water consumption has increased 10 fold and with an expected rise of 50% in the world's population, demand for fresh water will increase significantly.

Australia is the driest of the world's inhabited continents and access to water is complicated by its uneven distribution around the continent. Average water use across Australia has increased by 65% in the last 25 years and irrigated agriculture uses nearly 80% of this water.

Queensland, along with NSW, has experienced the greatest increase in water demand Increase demand compounded with extensive land clearing and increased population pressure has adverse impacts on ecosystems A large majority of coastal river systems in Queensland for example currently exceed water quality standard due to such impacts.

The concept of water conservation is to make people more aware of the value of water and the impact inappropriate water use has on the whole community. Although domestic and industrial water use represents only 20% of total water demand, saving water for future needs creates a more sustainable and independent society.

Saving water is something we can do easily every day in our daily lives.
HOW TO MINIMISE WATER CONSUMPTION AND MAXIMISE WATER USE

In the home:

  • Checking for leaking taps and pipes is recommended. Note your water meter reading before going to bed. Recheck first thing in the morning. If the reading has changed you have a pipe leak

  • Of all water used inside the home 40% is used in the bathroom and 20% in the toilet

  • l6/3 dual flush WC with a AAA rating conserve water best. Placing a brick in a single flush cistern will reduce water use.

  • Check for leaks by placing food dye in the cistern if the colour in the bowl changes before you flush you have a leak

  • Low flow shower water heads use up to 60% less water than standard heads. Turning off the tap while you brush your teeth and only turning it back on when ready to rinse saves water

  • Using no more bath water than is necessary reduces usage, also check that the bath plug isn’t leaking. Bath water can be used to wash the car, the dog or put on the garden – be careful as this water can kill some types of plants

  • Water efficient washing machines and dishwashers conserve water. Front end loading water machines used less water than top end loaders. Waiting until you have a full load before washing or adjusting water level to load size is recomended.

  • Washing fruit and vegetables in a sink filled with water rather than under a running tap reduces water use

In the yard

  • Around 30%-40% of water is used outdoors mainly on the garden

  • If you cover your pool you will reduce evaporation.

  • Creating water efficient gardens can conserve significant amounts of water.Using water efficient garden hoses are recommended (drip hoses are best) .The average garden hose delivers approximately 1,000 litres of water per hour; using hose timers, and watering during cool times of day (early morning, evening) will conserve water further. Using manually controlled hose nozzles that can be turned on and off gives you better control over water delivery. Having as little grassed area as possible and planting natives, which need less water than exotics, is encouraged . Using a good mulch on the garden will further retain moisture,so further retaining water consumption.

  • Capture of rain water in a raintank can save you an enormous amount of water. If you live on acreage you can harvest the runnoff from your roof and channel it into ponds on your property. This water can than be recycled onto your garden.
MORE INFORMATION

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