Water Conservation Tips – Garden
In December 2019, permanent water conservation measures were introduced, which restricts how and when residents can water their garden.
Reducing water use in the garden
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Newly introduced water conservation measures permit use of hand held hoses if they are fitted with a water efficient nozzel; | |
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Drip irrigation reduces evaporation. Existing spray irrigation systems can be converted to drip systems easily and cheaply by changing the spray heads to drip runners; | |
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Water at dawn to avoid evaporation and fungal diseases; | |
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Use greywater from your washing machine, laundry tub, shower, bath and sinks for watering purposes; | |
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If you have an evaporative air conditioner, direct the overflow into the garden; | |
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Use a timer on your sprinkler so you don’t forget to turn it off; | |
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Water small areas by hand to avoid waste. | |
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Watering less frequently but more thoroughly encourages plants to develop deeper root systems, allowing them to better prepare for drought. |
Understanding the soil type in your garden
Different soils retain different volumes of moisture and understanding your soil type can help you understand your garden’s water requirements.
| Soil Type | Sand | Loam | Clay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water (mm stored in 20cm depth of soil) | 12mm | 42mm | 28mm |
| Water requirements | Plants in sandy soil will require more water to survive as the soil retains relatively little water. However, applying more than 12mm of water on sandy soil at a time is a waste of water, because it will simply drain through, past the root zone | Loam is a combination of clay, sand and silt. This gives it a fine texture and slight dampness when wet. Loams are considered to be the best soils for growing plants. Applying wetting agents may also help the soil to absorb water and means less watering is required. | Clay soils can be heavy and hard to dig. If the soil in your garden becomes sticky when wet and is easy to roll into balls, it is likely to be a clay soil. Heavy clay soil holds moisture well, so is slow to dry out compared with other soil types. |
How to improve your soil
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Adding rock minerals or organic matter, including manures, mulch, worm castings and/or compost can all increase the moisture retention and health of your soil; | |
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Treat the soil with a wetting agent or using water crystals; | |
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Talk to your local plant nursery about how to improve sandy or poorer soils; |
Installing a rainwater tank
Installing a rainwater tank can save you water and money. Capturing rainwater from your roof and storing it in a properly installed rainwater tank provides you with a source of water suitable for:
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Outdoor use on the garden, cleaning and car washing; | |
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Indoor use for toilet flushing and in your washing machine; |
This should reduce your water bill and save you money. Having a rainwater tank can also be useful to store excess water from storms and heavy rain events.
Approvals and Standards for rainwater tank installation
Most residential rainwater tank installations do not require approval. However, some tanks require planning, building or plumbing approval. This depends on the intended size, location of the tank and whether internally plumbed for home use.
This is determined by State Environmental Planning Policy 2008, which states you do not need to apply for development approval for tanks with a capacity of 10,000L or less, if it also meets requirements regarding placement within your yard. Find the requirements here or call Council on 6728 8200.
Last modified 16-Dec-2019
