Approximately 25% of domestic water gets used in the garden. Some of this water can be saved by treating soil so that water can penetrate it, using mulch to stop water evaporating, and installing efficient irrigation and good garden design.
Watering Tips
Install a rainwater tank to suit your garden watering needs, the size of your house and the position of down pipes.
Check and clean your irrigation system every spring. An efficient irrigation system can save up to 46,000 litres of water in your garden each year.
Use a drip watering system or porous hose which cuts wastage by ensuring that the water only goes to where it is needed.
Avoid mirco-sprays waste. They waste up to 70% water through drift and evaporation and if the soil is mulched, water will not penetrate to the soil.
Fit tap timers to make sure you don’t over-water and use rain and/or soil moisture sensors in your garden so that watering doesn’t occur automatically when it is wet.
Use a trigger nozzle to ensure you don’t waste water while moving around the garden. Always turn it off at the tap when you have finished in case the hose springs a leak.
If you are using a sprinkler use one that makes big drops of water rather than a fine mist which can be scattered by the wind or evaporate.
Use an inverted soft drink bottle to give slow constant watering to annuals, ferns and roses.
Position irrigation systems so that water does not fall on paths, patios, driveways or buildings.
Remember to reschedule your irrigation system for Winter and Summer conditions.
Use soil wetting agents to hold water in the soil longer and closer to the plants.
Use mulch on your garden beds.
Plant wind breaks to reduce the wind’s drying effects on your garden.
Group together plants with similar watering needs.
Choose local plants that have lower watering needs and suit drier conditions for a water conservation garden.
Remove weeds regularly as they compete with your plants and lawns for water.
Check the weather forecast to avoid watering before rain.
Stop water evaporating before it reaches your plant roots by watering in the early morning or late evening.
Water your garden and lawn less often but more thoroughly. This will encourage your plants to extend their roots deeper into the soil, making them more drought resistant, hardier and less thirsty.
Target the root zone when watering your plants. There is no benefit to spraying the leaves and flowers, in fact on hot, sunny days you will cause damage.
Put an ice-cream container on your lawn or garden before you turn on your irrigation system. When the water in the container is 10mm deep, you have watered long enough. After you have watered, dig down to see how far it has penetrated. It should be at least 10cm.
Use a broom to clean paved surfaces such as driveways and paths and put the sweepings in your compost heap or use them as mulch.
Use a pool cover. This helps to prevent evaporation (especially on windy days) and reduces the need to regularly top up your pool water level. Without a cover, over half of the water can evaporate in a year.
Do not empty your pool during winter. This can waste over 100,000 litres of water which could be treated without emptying.
More Information
'Waterwise Gardening' by Kevin Walsh
'Waterwise House & Garden' by Allan Windust
'Water Efficient Garden' by Wendy van Dok
www.sgaonline.org.au
www.savewater.com.au