Saving water means that every drop of water and every dollar you spend counts. There are many actions you can take to use water wisely in your home and garden and conserve it for our future.
Use Water-Efficient Appliances and Fixtures When you buy or install a new appliance or fixture, pay attention to models that use water efficiently. Check the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating for water efficiency and standards.
Use Taps Effectively A tap that drips one drop of water per second wastes over 12,000 liters of water per year. Save water by fixing leaky taps as soon as possible. Installing aerators also saves water. Aerators reduce water flow and can be installed inside or outside the tap. If you want to do this, get your landlord’s approval first.
Use Water-Efficient Showerheads If your showerhead is old and uses a lot of water, try to ask your landlord to replace it with a low-flow model. These use about one-third of the water of older types and can save you more than $160 on your water bill each year.
Toilets If your toilet has a dual flush, use the half-flush whenever possible. If your landlord is replacing a single-flush toilet with a dual-flush model, suggest they choose a water-efficient model, as it can save 511 liters of water per person per day. If they don’t, you can buy a water-saving device or use a plastic bottle filled with water and place it in the toilet cistern to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
Reduce Water Consumption for the Garden A typical green lawn can consume 90% of a home’s garden water. To reduce water use, you can set your lawnmower to a height of 4-5 centimeters or more. You can also save water by using proper watering methods and choosing drought-resistant plants that don’t need a lot of water.
Helpful Resources for Tenants
Speak to your Real Estate Agent or Landlord Repairs, maintenance, and any environmental sustainability improvements usually require your landlord’s permission (and funding). Every state and territory in Australia has different laws for tenants, so it’s important to do your research and get your landlord’s permission before making any changes to the property.
When you contact your landlord or real estate agent, remember to keep in mind that environmental sustainability improvements may include the following assistance:
- Rebates and Financial Assistance: The government has several rebate and financial assistance programs for landlords who make environmental sustainability improvements. To get your landlord’s support for your request, you can do some research for them to find out what rebates or reimbursements can be claimed for your specific situation.
- Tax Deductions: Many home improvements and repairs are tax-deductible. You can refer to the Australian Taxation Office’s guide for landlords to see which items apply to your household and share any good news you find with your landlord.
- Investment Benefits: If your landlord improves their home to save energy and water, its value will increase, making it more attractive to future buyers or tenants.
Remember to put any proposals you give to the landlord or their agent in writing. It’s also a good idea to keep a record of all requests and agreements you receive from the landlord or their agent for changes or improvements.
