Break up with your bad water habits and protect our water for generations

We’ve enjoyed good rainfall this year and many of our dams are looking fuller - a welcome boost for our water supply. However, it’s important to remember that one good year doesn’t change the bigger picture.

Since the 1970s, rainfall in the South West has gradually declined by around 20% and forecasts suggest winter rainfall could reduce by another 15% by 2030. This long-term trend means streamflow - the water that runs into our dams - has fallen by more than 80% on average.

Why? Over time, reduced rainfall has left our catchments drier. Our soil and plants soak up much of the rain they need after dry spells, resulting in reduced runoff into our dams even when rainfall is above average. So even in years with decent rainfall, we still see much less runoff than we used to.

With population growth, holiday visitors and increasing demand adding extra pressure on our water sources, every drop of water counts.

Securing our water supply

More wastewater is recycled in the South West than any other region in WA. On average, Water Corporation recycles 20% of the region’s wastewater. This amounts to 3 billion litres each year and we’re well on our way to reaching our target of 30% by 2035.

Water Corporation is always seeking ways to boost water recycling and develop new groundwater sources. However, our drying climate means we can’t depend on these alone in the future.

Saving water has never been more important and you can help by following some simple water saving tips to break your bad water habits.

Only water once on your watering days

Did you know that most household water use is in the garden? On average, 28% of your household water is used on sprinklers and irrigation. In the South West, you can water your garden once a day on your two allocated watering days using scheme water.

Knowing what kind of sprinklers you have will also ensure you set optimal run times, so your garden gets the water it needs while avoiding overwatering.

Keep your shower time to 4 minutes or less

Showers make up 24% of the average household water use. Four minutes or less is the optimal time to shower. Avoid brushing your teeth in the shower too. Though it feels like you’re killing two birds with one stone, it uses 9 litres per minute, so stick to the basin and make sure to turn the tap off while brushing. Check out if your eligible to swap to a waterwise showerhead for free.

Compare your household water use

You can find how your water use compares to households like yours on the Water Corporation website. When you know how much water you’re using, you can spot ways to cut back and keep track of how your changes are lowering your overall household water use.

Waterwise offers to help you save more

Water Corporation has a range of offers available in your area to help you save water in your home and garden, including waterwise shower heads, irrigation services and rainwater tank rebates. Find out more about what’s on offer and how to qualify.

Here are more easy water saving tips you can follow to make your home and garden more waterwise.

Fix that leaky tap

It goes without saying that this is important. However, some leaks go unnoticed, and if you don’t find and fix them, you could be wasting up to 20,000 litres of water per year! They could also be doing extensive damage to your home. A good indicator could be an increased water bill. You can detect a sneaky leak using the Water Corporation guide.

Find out more about how climate change is having an impact on the region, see how Water Corporation is responding to improve water security and supply in the region and how we can all do our part to save water.