Water saving a priority

Report any leaking pipes or dripping taps to your local Department of Housing maintenance number

With the recent introduction of level four water restrictions across South East Queensland, all households should be aware of the ways they can comply with the restrictions and help save water. It is important for all tenants to comply with the water restrictions in their local council area. If you are unsure of the restrictions in place in your area, contact your local council for information.

To assist tenants in conserving water, the department has commenced a program of fitting water-efficient devices to homes in the South East Queensland area.

The Queensland Water Commission suggests the following water saving tips:

• Spend two minutes less in the shower. You'll save over 425 litres a month.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. In a household of four, this will save an average of 94 litres a week.
• Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• Turn off the water while you shampoo and condition your hair. You can save more than 180 litres a week.
• Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 350 litres a week.
• When adding new plants to your garden, prepare the garden bed with good soil, water-storing granules and wetting agent. Consider the water needs of each plant and group plants with similar water requirements together.
• Use mulch on your garden to retain moisture in the soil and control weeds that compete with plants for water.
• Some of the best mulching materials are woodchips, chipped tree waste, gravel and stone.
• Accept a less-than-lush lawn during periods of drought. Grass will readily regenerate when water becomes available.

For more tips to save water in and around the home, visit www.qwc.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 789 906.