Conserving water and preventing water waste

When it comes to water, every drop counts - a dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres of water a day. At certain times of the year, Council puts water restrictions in place (usually in summer) to conserve water to make sure there will be enough for everyone.

These are included in the Conserve water notices. Even when restrictions aren’t in place, it’s important to conserve water. This keeps the cost of sourcing, treating and pumping water down for everyone. Here are some easy ways you can help conserve our water:

  • Turn your taps off properly and repair dripping taps, leaking pipes or toilet cisterns.
  • Turn taps off while you shave and brush your teeth.
  • Use your dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
  • Limit the time you spend in the shower.
  • Use a bucket to collect waste (grey) water from the shower, the washing machine or the sink to water plants or use on the lawn.
  • Use a bucket to wash your car, rather than a hose.

Water waste

Water waste is a problem, even when water is plentiful. Not only can it create a public nuisance, all water supplied by Council must be sourced, treated and pumped to consumers, which costs money. Preventing water waste helps keep the cost of water down for everyone.

Under our Water Supply Bylaw, water use must not be wasteful. If someone is found deliberately wasting or misusing water, they may be charged for the cost of the water wasted, or fined. Under the bylaw, where uses which are usually permitted adversely affect a neighbouring property or other consumers (such as excess watering causing run-off), we can also prohibit use of water which is deemed wasteful or inefficient, including:

  • Unlined or uncovered water features, ponds or water storage units
  • Fixed garden irrigation systems
  • Fixed lawn irrigation systems
  • Irrigation or watering by fixed or portable devices
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