Water wise tips

We want you to save money

With the rising cost of living, here are some easy ways to save water and money.

Tips to be water wise at home

Other ways to save water at home

Tips to be water wise in the pool

Other ways to save water in your pool

Tips to be water wise in the garden

Other ways to save water in the garden

Be water wise like our cricketers

Tips to be water wise at home

Everyone loves a long hot shower, especially during cold weather. On average, 26% of all water usage is showering. Having shorter showers is one of many ways you can reduce your water bill. There are lots of other ways to be water wise at home.

Other ways to save water at home 

  • Fill a container and keep water in the fridge rather than waiting for it to run cold from the tap.
  • Put a plug in your sink or fill a basin to wash vegetables – don’t use a running tap.
  • Wait till you have a full load of washing before you reach for the detergent.
  • Thaw frozen food in the fridge or microwave, not under a running tap.
  • Don't run water down the drain when rinsing your razor or washing your face. Use a plug in the bathroom basin.
  • Install a WELS 4-star rated water saving showerhead to save on water and energy costs.
  • Check for leaking taps and toilets around your home. Leak detection could be easier than you think.
  • Consider reusing your greywater.

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Tips to be water wise in the pool

By following a few simple tips, you can keep cool in the pool and not need to continually top up from the tap.

Buy an eligible pool cover before 31 October and get a $200 cash-back
For a limited time, we're offering customers a rebate of up to $200 as part of our Pool Cover Rebate pilot program. Provide your details and proof that you purchased an eligible pool cover – either Climate Care Certified or endorsed under the Smart Approved WaterMark program – between 21 April and 31 October 2022 (offer extended). To find out more and claim your cash-back, email us at poolcoverrebate@sydneywater.com.au.

Other ways to save water in your pool

By reducing evaporation with a pool cover, sheltering your pool from sun and wind, and properly maintaining your pool, you can keep cool, have fun and still save water. Discourage people from constantly jumping in and out to keep the water in the pool, not over the side.

Find more ways to save water in the Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia's Best practice and debunking the myths fact sheet.

A liquid pool cover creates a chemical barrier on the water's surface, reducing evaporation by up to 40%.

Using a pool blanket can be more affordable. If used with a roller, it can be easily removed before pool use and spread again after you've finished swimming for the day.

  • Increasing shade over your pool will reduce evaporation and protect swimmers from the harsh Australian sun.
  • Adding walls and hedges around your pool will help reduce wind exposure.

To save water, only backwash your filter when necessary. If you keep your pool and filters clean you won't need to backwash as often.

  • Don't overfill your pool. This not only wastes water, but can also prevent your filter from working effectively. The water level should be about halfway up the skimmer box opening for the filter to function properly.
  • Sand filters require backwashing, which can use up to 8,000 litres of water a year. You should backwash your sand filter once every 4–6 weeks. Only backwash until the glass goes clear – backwashing for longer just wastes water.
  • Cartridge filters don't need to be backwashed. 

  • Leaks not only waste water, they can undermine the foundations of your pool. It makes sense to keep an eye on potential leaks and have them repaired as soon as you can.
  • Use the do-it-yourself pool check to keep an eye on leaks around your pool.

  • Walk around the edge of the pool and check the area between the pool and the filter equipment. Look for wet or eroded areas.
  • Inspect the plumbing and watch for obvious leaks.
  • Check if running the filter affects water loss.
  • Check your pool for cracks or tears. Inspect the tile line and inside the skimmer box.
  • Check the lighting. Underwater lights are often the source of leaks.

Tips to be water wise in the garden

We all know the value of having our garden and lawn looking tip top. Learn more about watering by hand or using an automatic irrigation system.

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Which Plant Where is a research collaboration outcome between Hort Innovation, Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and the NSW Government Department of Planning and Environment.

Other ways to save water in the garden

  • Plant for the climate and soil in your area. Talk to your local nursery about how to choose water wise plants for your garden.
  • Wash your car on the lawn using a hose with a trigger nozzle. You can water and fertilise the grass at the same time.
  • Pull out weeds as soon as they sprout so they don’t take water away from your plants.
  • Group plants that need the same amount of water together so that none of them get too much.
  • It’s the water in the soil that your plants thrive on, so water the roots of each plant, not its leaves.
  • Apply a 7–10 centimetre deep layer of mulch around your plants to help prevent water from evaporating.

Be water wise like our cricketers

Over the previous Big Bash League season, we continued our partnership with Cricket NSW. The Sydney Thunder and Sydney Sixers helped us share water wise tips with their fans across the summer. Find out what our BBL cricketers are doing to be water wise on and off the field. Check out the video series here.