Saving Water - Overview
Water is vital to us all
We all rely on plentiful clean water. We use water daily for so many things. Some are obvious:
- We drink it...hot or cold ... by itself or as a basis for almost every beverage
- We use it for cooking
- We wash ourselves and our clothes
- We keep our houses clean and fresh
- We fill our swimming pools
- We water our gardens and wash our cars
- We flush our waste systems
In addition, water produces electricity, it cools our homes and office buildings, we use it to grow our food and put out fires as well as many other uses.
Despite its obvious value to us all, we take it for granted and just expect it to be available at the turn of a tap clean, clear and ready to drink.
Because we live in a dry continent - the driest in the world - we need to work together to ensure that our supply of clean, pure water from our taps is always there.
We Need Your Help to be WaterWise
Being waterwise means:
- Understanding our local water supply system
- Not wasting water or taking it for granted
- Protecting our City's water assets so they last longer
Make water saving a habit
Coffs Harbour Water has been running a WaterWise program for a number of years. We are now one of the most efficient areas in the state in our use of water. However, the ongoing effectiveness of this water conservation campaign depends on everyone in the city making water saving a habit. Here are some handy hints on how to save water all year round:
- Take a short shower using a low flow shower nozzle
- Install a dual flush toilet (Ask about Council's sudsidies for retrofitting in older homes)
- Only use the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads
- Use plugs in the sink
- Check all taps for leaks and mend dripping taps
- Don't leave taps or hoses running
- Keep cold water in the fridge
- Use a bucket when washing the car, keeping the hose for the final rinse
- Wash your car on the lawn
- Don't water the garden in the heat of the day
- Place mulch on all garden flower beds and around the base of shrubs and trees
- Clean paths with a broom rather than a hose
- Front end loading washing machines generally use less water
By following these tips your family can save up to 450 litres of water each day. It's worth it!
