Water Restrictions

Let’s get serious about saving water – it all starts with you!

Did you know that on average, a person directly uses about 200 litres of water per day for washing (showers, toilets, clothes and dishes), drinking and food prep?

Here in Carpentaria Shire water can be scarce, and water restrictions can be common – so how can you do your bit to help conserve this precious resource? Well, it’s not as difficult as you think! In fact it won’t take any major changes to your current routine, it will help the environment, and it can even save you money in the long-run!

In the home:

  • Fix those leaky taps! A slowly leaking tap can waste up to 20,000 litres a year.
  • Try an inexpensive water saving shower head and fix aerators to all taps – these are the best and cheapest ways of saving water.
  • Keep a bottle of water in the fridge, so you don’t need to run the tap until it gets cold when getting a drink. If you are running the tap before you use it, collect the water in a jug and use it on the garden.
  • For older toilets without water saving features (like a dual flush), try putting an inch or two of stones at the bottom of two plastic bottles, fill them with water and put them in the tank.
  • Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full to maximise water usage, or change the settings to suit the load

In the garden:

  • Enjoy washing the car on a Sunday? Make sure you use a bucket and sponge and try washing the car on the lawn – it washes the car, but also waters the grass at the same time (the detergent is safe for the grass)! A high pressure hose also helps to reduce the amount of water used.
  • Hosepipes, if left on, can waste a huge amount of water – so you can fix a timer to stop this happening. This also makes it easier to water your garden when you are on holiday.
  • Don’t over-water your lawn – train it to use less water by encouraging the roots to grow deeper. Also, set your mower level higher during summer and let your lawn grow longer. Keeping grass longer shades the soil surface and reduces evaporation loss.
  • Water proof terracotta pots before you plant. Terracotta pots are porous and allow moisture to escape rapidly.
  • If you have an outdoor pool or spa, keep it covered when not in use. Covers will help prevent water from evaporating.

For more information on being ‘Water Wise’ please see the information from the Queensland Government’s website – Using Water Wisely.

water restrictions

Water Restriction Exemption Form

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