Q:  How can I reduce the amount of water I use in the garden and around the home?

A:  Try some of the following tips to reduce the amount of water you use.

      Inside your Home

• Checking for leaks in taps, pipes and dishwasher hoses is an easy way to reduce water wastage.
• Remember, one leaking tap can waste more than 2,000 litres a month.
• The most water efficient methods for cooking vegetables are microwaving, steaming or using a pressure cooker. You can also cut down on water loss by using tight lids on pots and simmering instead of boiling rapidly.
• Thaw frozen foods before you need them or use the microwave instead of placing them under running water.
• Washing fruit and vegetables in a half-filled sink instead of under running water is a great way to cut back on water wastage.
• Automatic dishwashers can use up to 40 litres of water per load. By using a dishwasher with at least a 3 star/AAA rating1, you can get this figure down to 18 litres per load and still get the kind of sparkling clean dishes you’re used to.
• Wait until you have a full load in your dishwasher before using it.  This saves water and energy, and reduces the amount of detergent entering the sewerage system.
• Follow Dishwasher manufacturer's operation instructions and use the "Rinse & Hold" setting.  Also, do your dishwashing at night and save by using "off peak" electricity.
• Make sure you adjust the water level on your washing machine to suit your wash load or make sure you have a full load.
• If you intend on recycling Washing Machine Water to water your garden, make sure you use an environmentally friendly / biodegradable washing powder (low sodium).
• There’s no need to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth. Simply wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.
• Installing water efficient taps or tap aerators is a great, inexpensive way to cut your water usage without you even noticing.
• Put the plug in the sink when washing your hands instead of holding them under running water.
• Prevent taps from leaking by turning taps off lightly and replace washers as soon as they begin to leak.
• Keep a container of water in the fridge so that you won’t need to run the water down the sink until it’s cool enough to drink.
• Rinsing your dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap saves water and is just as easy and effective.
• Use a sink strainer.
• Most washing machines have a load adjustment button or dial, so try to set this to match the amount of washing you’re doing. If your machine doesn’t have a load adjustment function, try to wait until you have enough washing for a full load.
• Remember to regularly clean the lint filter on your washing machine.
• Try to use phosphate-free, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products. There’s a great range
• Installing one of the latest 3 star/AAA rating showerheads can give you a great shower and save you around 10 litres of water a minute.  They also save you energy costs as you’ll use less hot water.
• To rinse your razor, run a little water into a plugged sink.  Rinsing your razor under a running tap wastes lots of water.

      Outside your Home

• Use a quality Nylex rainwater tank to collect rainwater from the roof of your home, garage or shed.  Connected to a Gardena pump, this water can be used to water your garden.
• Aerate the soil in your lawn to help get water to the grass roots and don’t cut the grass to short; 2cm is about as short as you would want to go.
• Use a timer on all irrigation systems, with a soil moisture control device, such as a Nylex Gardena Water Timer.
• Water your garden at night time, this will minimise evaporation.
• Group plants with similar watering needs and get advice from your Nursery on water conserving plants.
• Planting Australian natives is a great idea as they tend to use less water than imported plants and are more drought tolerant.
• Water your garden less often, but more thoroughly.  A useful mnemonic is ‘Slow and deep twice a week’ subject to water restrictions in your area.
• Keep lawn areas to a minimum.
• Compost lawn clippings, leaves and garden rubbish for use on the garden with the Nylex Ezyroll Compost Tumbler.
• Installing a Nylex Gardena Micro Spray System for delicate plants will ensure that water usage is consistent with the soil’s ability to absorb it.
• Use a grey water diverter, such as the Nylex Greywater DivertaTM in conjunction with an underground irrigation system to reuse grey water from the washing machine and shower. 
• Plant windbreaks to reduce the drying effect of the wind.
• Use water retention products in the garden to retain water and aerate the soil.
• Use the broom to sweep around the house, not the hose.
• Wash your car at a Car Wash Centre; use a flow-controlled hose, such as a Nylex FloHoseTM, a bucket or a flow controlled Water Pressure Cleaner. Wash your car fortnightly, rather than weekly.
• Use either a pool blanket or a water evaporation control on swimming pools.