News
25 May, 2021
Community asked to be water wise and avoid complacency ahead of dry season
Unitywater is calling on residents and businesses to keep up their water-saving efforts during South East Queensland’s coming dry season. Despite the welcome rain in March and April, the region’s combined dam levels are at their lowest levels for the month of May in a decade, and water restrictions are still a possibility before the end of the year.
The utility is encouraging people to explore simple and cost-effective ways to save water, from using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleaning, to installing a winter pool cover to reduce water top ups.
Unitywater Communications and Engagement Manager, Jana Dore called on locals to do a quick assessment of their home, business or garden, and make small changes for a big impact.
“As we head into our annual dry season, we encourage everyone to make small changes and be part of a big collective effort to help save water,” Ms Dore said.
“With less rain about, we tend to use more water to top up our pools, water our lawns and wash our cars. It means our storages take a double hit and fall more quickly than in summer months.”
Ms Dore said there were small changes that every resident and business could make to their water consumption habits.
“There are lots of easy and cost-effective ways to help save water,” she said.
“Using a broom or leaf blower instead of a hose to clean outdoor areas, installing water efficient shower heads or simply cutting showers down to four minutes are great places to start.
“Drought tolerant plants, brooms, buckets, hose trigger nozzles and other water efficient devices are available from local hardware stores or garden centres.
“These small changes can make a big difference and we thank residents and businesses for all of their water-saving efforts.”
Ms Dore said residents could save water by:
• Checking for hidden leaks
• Keeping showers to four minutes
• Turning the tap off when brushing teeth
• Only using dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full
• Using a pool cover to reduce evaporation
• Watering gardens at cooler times of the day
• Fixing leaking taps and toilets.
For water-saving resources, including tips and how to check for leaks, visit www.unitywater.com/legends
