Plumbing Industry Association of SA Inc

Welcome to Plumbing Industry Association of SA Inc

From an early age South Australians learn that we live in the driest State in the driest inhabited continent on the planet. So we all know the importance of looking after our precious water resources whether the water comes from the River Murray, local reservoirs or from underground. The community clearly values water and householders have shown they are ready, willing and able to support ongoing permanent water conservation measures or even water restrictions in time of drought.

The South Australian Government and SA Water are working on a number of strategies to ensure the sustainability of our water resources for the future. We All Have a Role. All South Australians can play a role in making the State more water efficient by looking after their own patch. In your homes and gardens, in your community, your schools and your work practicing water efficiency can help save the environment and money. As you will see in this brochure, it doesn’t take much to save a lot of water and your licensed plumber can help!

What is Eco-Smart plumbing?

The Plumbing Industry Association of SA Inc. (PIA) with the support of SA Water has established the Eco Smart Plumber training initiative to support the Government’s strategies and develop ‘green’ credentials within our industry. Plumbers have a great role to play in helping householders improve their water efficiency and reduce their water bills.

Eco Smart trained plumbers can:

• Conduct hot and cold water audits of your home


• Undertake environmentally sustainable plumbing work


• Advise you on all of the different options to reduce your water consumption


• Design and install plumbing solutions


• Advise of any government rebates and arrange your claim


• Plumb rainwater tanks into your home

Provide advice on other water efficiency measures.

Domestic Gardens and Lawns

Hand-held hoses fitted with a trigger nozzle or drip-watering systems can be used between 6am and 9am and from 5pm to midnight on any day. Watering cans and buckets may be used at any time.
Sprinkler systems can be used on one day a week for three hours in the morning or for three hours in the evening in accordance with the following:

• Even numbered houses can use sprinklers from 6am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm on Saturdays


• Odd numbered houses can use sprinklers from 6am to 9am and from 5pm to 8pm on Sundays

Sprinklers cannot be used to water verges.

Fountains, Ponds and Water Feature

A fountain, pond or water feature that does not recycle water must not be operated and must not be topped up unless it supports fish. The level of water in a fountain, pond or water feature that recycles water may be topped up only with water from a hand held hose or bucket. Fountains, ponds and water features must not be refilled after emptying.

Swimming Pools and Spas

Existing pools and spas must not be refilled from empty.

The level of water in a swimming pool or spa that has been previously filled with water may be topped up or maintained only with water from a hand held hose or bucket.

New pools or spas may be filled only under the authority of a permit from SA Water. A permit will not be granted unless there is proof a cover has been purchased to prevent water loss through evaporation.

Children’s wading pools must not be filled with more than 250 litres of water.

Did you know:

• Inefficient shower roses can use up to 20 litres of water a minute.


• Water efficient models can use as little as 6 litres a minute.


• A water efficient shower rose, could save 3000 litres of water a year by reducing water use each time someone showers.


• Water efficient shower heads also save energy so you save money on both your water and power bills!


• Running taps can waste up to 17 litres of water a minute.


• Aerators or flow restrictors on taps use half the water as standard taps.


• Water efficient toilets can use as little as three litres of water on a half flush a quarter of the amount used by standard single flush toilets.


• Leaking toilet cisterns can lose you thousands of litres of water a year.