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Water Management

Water management is an issue for many Australian households.  However, it can be confusing trying to work out how to manage water and what the available options are so we’ve put together a quick and easy guide.

The Green Star Rating System

The green star rating system was created by the Green Building Council of Australia in order to evaluate the environmental design and performance of buildings.  The system is based on a number of criteria and, in the area of water, it focuses on the reduction of potable water through efficient building design, water reuse, and substitution with other water sources such as rainwater.  A 4 star rating shows best practice, a 5 star rating shows Australian excellence, and a 6 star rating shows world leadership.  While the green star system is primarily used for commercial buildings at the moment, it is possible to put its principles in practice in a residential situation.

The WELS Scheme

The WELS scheme has been implemented to label products for their water efficiency, so that Australian households are able to choose products that save them both water and money.  By 2021, using efficient products, domestic water use can be reduced by five percent and about 610,000 megalitres of water can be saved.  Almost half of the water savings will come from more efficient washing machines, 25 percent from showers, and 22 percent from toilets.

Plumbers and builders now need to ensure that any products they sell are WELS registered and labeled and that the labels are clearly visible to the customer.

Rainwater Tanks

Rainwater tanks are one of the best ways to save water within the home.  It can be used for flushing toilets, in the washing machine, on the garden, and to wash your car.  It is not advisable to use rainwater for drinking, however, if you have town water available.  The larger the tank, the more water you will be able to store for use during the drier periods.  5,000 litres is a good starter size.  Use the water in the tank on a regular basis so that there is always storage capacity available when it rains.  This will maximise the amount of water that you can save.

Rainwater is perfectly adequate to use on the garden and connecting the tank to the toilet or washing machine means that you’ll be using water even when it’s raining.  To supply the toilet and the washing machine, you will need to have a minimum operating level in the tank and this may require a top up from the local water supply and you will need to talk to a licensed plumber.

Grey Water

Grey water is a great water reuse or recycling option.  Grey water is the water that comes from the shower or washing machine, etc.  There are two types of grey water systems.  A grey water diversion device allows untreated grey water to be used for outdoor purposes by distributing water to the garden through a sub surface irrigation system.  A grey water treatment system allows you to use treated grey water for above surface irrigation, flushing toilets, and in washing machines.  Grey water can also be stored.

Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation is the most effective watering method as hardly any water is wasted through wind, evaporation, run off, or overspray.  It works by slowly dripping water into the soil at the base of the plants, delivering water where it is most needed at a rate that is easy for the plants to absorb.  It doesn’t waste water on weeds, either.  Drip irrigation also reduces the risk of soil erosion or compaction, as well as the risk of insect and fungal problems.  It suits all soils and all plants, and can be used in all areas of the garden.

The Swimming Pool

If you have a pool, a pool cover makes a massive difference as it reduces the amount of water that evaporates and also keeps the pool clean.  If the chemical balance of your pool is correct, you will reduce your chemical costs and you also won’t have to empty the pool unnecessarily.  Limit the amount of times that you top up your pool.  Regularly check it for leaks, and keep the water level of the pool halfway up the skimmer for maximum water efficiency.  Backwash the pool only until the water is clean in the sight glass or at the drain point.  This shouldn’t take any longer than a minute or two.

Water Efficient Products

There are many products that are designed for water efficiency.  These include:

• water efficient showerhead – you’ll still get a great shower but use a lot less water
  
• dual flush toilets – use much less water than conventional ones
  
• water efficient low flow taps or water aerators
  
• choose a water efficient washing machine and dishwasher

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