5 Tips for Conserving Water in Your Garden
- Install a drip-irrigation system
- Plant drought-resistant natives
- Consider replacing lawn with native grasses and/or groundcover plants
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and combat weeds
- If you must (and can!) water, do it in the cool of the evening or early morning
Spirit in the Home:
Saving Water in the Home
by Kerry Tabor
With Australia is experiencing one of its worst-ever droughts, is timely to talk about water conservation. Water is an important and relevant lifestyle issue for all of us. While two thirds of all the people on earth use less than 60 litres of water a day, the average Australian uses more than twice that amount during a single shower. In fact, Australians are among the biggest users of water in the world, especially around the home.
As a national commitment to conserve diminishing water supplies, state governments have imposed water restrictions. Here are a couple of easy ways we can do our bit to save water almost without trying, and feel empowered through knowing we are making a positive difference.
Showerheads have been identified as being one of the largest single users of water in the home. Did you know that AAA rated showerheads use half to one third as much water as the old style showerheads? Compare 7 litres per minute with 15-20 litres per minute! 
Multiply that by the number of minutes taken in the shower, times the number of people in the home, times 365 days a year, and that is a lot of water! If you haven't yet converted your showerhead, now is the time. As modern water-efficient showerheads don't compromise the quality of your shower experience, this is such an easy way to save significant amounts of water every day.
Attaching flow restrictors or aerators (such as the Siroflex "Swish-A-Sink") to each tap reduces the flow rate by up to 50% while actually increasing water pressure. They also enable both a wide and a focussed spray, and they swivel so that you can direct the spray around the sink if required. These devices are very cheap, easy to install, and save water without even noticing.
Find out how your home rates with Melbourne Water's water conservation wizard, or see www.savewater.com.au for other easy ways to save water in the home.