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Water Efficiency


The 2017-2020 drought highlighted the importance of being water efficient, with dam levels dropping below 44% in 2020, but even when we’re not in drought it’s still important to be water wise. Our drinking water comes from the Coxs, Kowmung, Nattai, Wingecarribee, Wollondilly and Warragamba rivers and is stored in the Warragamba Dam.  While it may be raining on the coast, if water doesn’t make it into our catchment our water supply can be affected. 

Most of Australia’s rainfall evaporates back into the atmosphere, with only 10% ending up in rivers, lakes and groundwater reserves to be used as drinking water. Climate change is warming the atmosphere which increases evaporation and can result in unpredictable rainfall patterns so its important we all do our part to improve water efficiency for when its needed most.
 

What is Council doing? 

  • Council has been implementing a Water Management Plan since 2018, improving water efficiency at its highest using facilities.

  • In 2021 the filtration system for the main pool at Hurstville Aquatic Leisure Centre was upgraded, reducing water required for the pool.

  • Council is in the process of developing stormwater harvesting systems at a number of sites to enable sustainable irrigating of playing fields.

  • A new Environmental Sustainability Clause (6.11) in the Georges River Local Environment Plan (LEP) came into effect in 2021, ensuring applicable developments are consistent with the principles of best practice environmentally sensitive design.

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What can you do? 

  • Check your home for leaks. If all the water sources in your home are off and the meter outside your property is still running, this indicates water is flowing through the system somewhere in your home and you may have a leak. 

  • Install water efficient fixtures like low flow shower heads and duel flush toilets. Use the Federal Government's water rating label to help with your purchasing decision.

  • You can improve the efficiency of some existing fixtures by installing a flow restrictor. These are for sale at your local hardware store and you may be able to do this yourself, or contact a plumber.

  • Keep your shower short, try sticking to the length of a favourite song.    

  • Do not hose down your driveway or outdoor areas, use a broom. 

  • You can register your interest with Sydney Water’s WaterFix program for residential or strata to receive water efficiency upgrades with no upfront cost.  

  • Review Sydney Water's Tips for more ideas.  

 

Resources 



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