With bushfires continuing to rage across Australia, water levels in Sydney are dropping at an alarming rate.
Experts fear dams could run dry by 2022 and that the country’s largest city could face Level 2 water restrictions within a matter of weeks if dam levels drop another 6.6 per cent.
So what can we do to reduce our water usage?
According to Sydney Water, more than 85 per cent of Greater Sydney’s water supply relies on rain, so during prolonged droughts, water is in short supply for both residents and businesses.
Level 1 water restrictions were implemented in Sydney on June 1 and since then, there’s been a 10 per cent reduction in average water usage. But seeing as water storage levels are falling by half a per cent every week, according to 7 News, more needs to be done.
WATCH: The heartache of losing your home in the NSW bushfires. Post continues after video…
So how can we, as average Aussies help to reduce our water consumption and usage?
The good folks at Sydney Water have shared some helpful tips for cutting back that will significantly help during this drought period.
8 tips to reduce your water usage in your home
Keep your showers to four minutes. Taking shorter showers is one of the best ways to help conserve water.
Collect water from the shower whilst it’s heating up to use for other household tasks.
Wait until your dishwasher or washing machine is fully loaded before you turn it on.
Save the water whenever you rinse something without soap.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave.
Wash your vegetables and rinse dishes in a plugged sink or basin – not under a running tap.
Reuse water from leftover boiling veggies or pasta.
Install a WELS 4-star rated water saving showerhead and WELS 4-star rated water efficient taps to save on water and energy costs.
READ MORE: How you can donate and help communities and wildlife affected by the recent bushfires
Don’t keep the tap running while you brush your teeth or shave.
(Image: Getty Images)5 tips to help save water in your garden
Sprinklers are a no no, but there are other ways to save water outside and keep your garden healthy.
Use a broom or rake rather than a hose to clean your driveways and hard surfaces.
Plant for the climate and soil in your area.
Apply 7 – 10 cm of mulch around plants to help save water lost through evaporation.
Get rid of weeds as they take water away from the plants you want to grow.
Group plants with similar needs so they all get the right amount of water without wasting any.
Get rid of weeds in your garden as they take water away from the plants you want to grow.
(Image: Instagram @kensingtonroyal)
