Water Saving Tips

Adopting water saving measures across key areas of your business can result in financial and water savings.

Tips For Outdoors

Fact

Mulch can reduce evaporation by up to 70 per cent.

Ways to Save

Adhere to Melbourne’s water restrictions. As permanent water saving rules and water restrictions are in place, ensure that your outdoor watering practices are in accordance with current restrictions.

Choose the right plants. Consider the plant’s water demand, pest tolerance, and soil nutrients and drainage requirements. Incorporating drought-tolerant native species into your garden will greatly reduce maintenance costs and can improve site aesthetics. Native species are adapted to work together in similar soils and benefit each other’s growth by forming symbiotic relationships

Select turf alternatives. Turf grasses have the largest water consumption patterns of any plant group. As an alternative, water-saving lawns like Palmetto have deep roots that make them extremely drought tolerant. They also do not need mowing as often as other lawn types.

Start mulching. Mulches are various organic materials such as pine/oak bark, pine straw, aged wood chips and compost mixtures that are placed around the root zone of a plant. Mulching can retain soil moisture and reduce the need for watering and maintenance. Spread mulch evenly up to 3-4 centimetres deep to insulate roots from heat and limit the germination of weeds.

Consider alternative sources for irrigation water. Investigate options such as rainwater tanks, water reuse and treated grey or blackwater. You may be able to direct surface runoff and rainfall into collection tanks that can supply water to landscape areas. Ensure the health and safety of people using the site by making sure the water used meets any legislative requirements.