HOW TO SAVE WATER WHILE MAINTAINING A LUSCIOUS GARDEN

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water bill and save the environment look no further.

We’ve devised the ultimate plan to help you save water at home while achieving a beautiful luscious garden at no expense on your water bill. With drought season not far off, there’s no better time to implement some water saving tips and reduce your environmental impact.

Don’t let the name scare you away, it’s not sewage, that’s referred to as blackwater. Greywater can be described as any domestic wastewater produced, excluding sewage. This includes used water from the bathroom, kitchen and laundry, and is a relatively clean source of water when compared with the water from toilets.

With proper treatment, greywater can be used for a whole range of applications, including laundry, toilet flushing and watering your garden, you can even water your veggies with it.

One of the biggest benefits of using greywater is the fact that you save so much on using freshwater, which can significantly reduce your water bill. It also reduces the amount of wastewater entering the sewers or on-site treatment systems, benefiting not only your home but also the wider community.

Fact: Agreywater system in a 4-person home can provide around 40,000L of water per year to use on your garden.

One of the most effective ways of saving water and reducing your water bill is to follow your allocated watering day and time. Watering before 9am allows for the water to sink into the ground and roots before evaporating.

Find out your watering schedule.

As summer approaches, it’s a good idea to check your sprinklers and irrigation system on its first run. This is to ensure there are no leaks or burst pipes where water is going to waste. Regular maintenance of your sprinklers and irrigation system will also help save you time and money in the long run. Make sure all the sprinklers are facing the garden and not watering the concrete, that’s not going to grow.

Based on your location in WA, a rainwater tank can be highly beneficial in saving and storing rainwater to use on your garden during the drier months. A small 2,000L tank can also save you over 20,000L of water a year if it’s plumbed into your toilet and washing machine.

Fact: For an average sized family of 4, a rainwater tank can cut their yearly consumption by up to 25 to 30%.

A waterwise garden gives you all the benefits of having a luscious and diverse garden but at a very low cost to water. It’s very low maintenance and does not require much time or effort, yet still manages to satisfy your inner green thumb. It allows homeowners to create the perfect balance between plants, lawn and hardscapes to find the right fit for their lifestyle.

Find out how to design a waterwise garden

Water leaks are one of the leading culprits of wasted water in Australia. A leaking tap can waste up to 10,000 litres of water a year and this is only from what you can see. Leaks can occur anywhere in your home, so it’s a good idea to check inside and outside for any signs of water leakages.

Where to check outside:

• Outdoor taps and hoses
• Irrigation system and sprinklers
• Exposed pipe work
• Hot water systems and air conditioning units
• Damp and unstable brick paving and garden areas, maybe be moist or greener than expected

If you suspect you have a leak, contact a licensed plumber immediately.

Contact a licensed professional

If you have identified a water leak or require any sort of plumbing work, it’s always a good idea to contact a licensed plumber who is trained and qualified to handle these situations. It is illegal in WA to do your own plumbing, conducting any sort of DIY plumbing may result in voided warranties, insurance claims and could lead to further damages.

If you’re in need of a licensed and Waterwise plumber, contact Gillies Group today and start saving.