Welcome to the Q&A Forum

We were discussing Water Saving - Every Drop Counts
With Aspi Baria, Michelle Walker and DEWR

Help Australia's environment and your pocket by saving water!

Australians are one of the biggest users of water in the world, but we receive less rainfall than any other continent except Antarctica. Currently our country is in a state of severe drought, which is greatly affecting our agriculture and causing bushfires and dust storms. Last year saw Australia experience some of the lowest rainfall since 1900, as well as depleted dams and hotter weather.

If this dangerous trend continues, we could find ourselves without a reliable water supply in the future. Our gardens will have to go unwatered, crops will fail, our beautiful bushlands will die, and water will have to be rationed strictly, with heavy fines for those who break the rules. This may seem far-fetched but in places suffering extreme drought, like Goulbourn, New South Wales, such water rationing is already in place. Did you know that each person is only allowed 150 litres of water a day – which is less than it takes to fill a bath?

In order to ensure water sustainability in the future, there are now water restrictions in place across the country.

The good news is that much of the excess water used by Australians occurs in the home and garden, and this can be reduced. There are many simple and practical things you can do to reduce water wastage such as:

• putting the plug in the sink when washing your hands
• fixing any leaking taps
• making sure you don't over-water your plants - use garden mulch instead to keep them moisturised
• taking shorter showers
• using the dishwasher only when it is at least 3/4 full
• putting in a full load of laundry every time you use the washing machine, and
• washing your car in a place that uses recycled water.

You may even consider installing a water-saving device in your home, such as a rain water tank, a dual-flush toilet, a drip irrigation system in the garden or a low-flow shower head. There are financial benefits to becoming a water saver. By adopting simple measures to save water at home, you may reduce the cost of your water bills.

If we act now we can ensure there are no severe water shortages in the future, so get active and help Australia by saving water!

For the months of March and April, the Seniors Portal Q&A Forum explored ‘Water Saving - Every Drop Counts.’ You can also have a read through the following questions and answers and view a short background to each of our panel members: Aspi Baria (C Chem, Technical Specialist Water - ACTEW Corporation), Michelle Walker (Water Conservation Officer - the Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts (NRETA)) and the Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR).There is a list of useful resources for further information and associations that you can get involved with and information on public access facilities.

The following questions were answered:

Question 1:	I understand waterless car wash products exist on the market. Can you please tell me more about them and where I can locate such products to save water? Many thanks.	View Answer
Question 2:	In Victoria I believe the state government was to replace our normal shower heads with a free water saving type. If this is so can you tell me where I go to get a water saving shower head.	View Answer
Question 3:	How much water is lost showering when you wait for the hot water to come through the pipes, that is for off peak systems?	View Answer
Question 4:	Why is there no preventative laws or/and fines for watering gardens during the day in Alice Springs?	View Answer
Question 5:	Does the Australian Government help local sporting and community organisations to save water?	View Answer
Question 6:	How can I make my garden more water wise?	View Answer
Question 7:	How can I save money on my water bills?	View Answer
Question 8:	How can I save water at home?	View Answer
Question 9:	What are some easy ways to save money around the home?	View Answer
Question 10:	Where do you find water to support an arid town?	View Answer
Question 11:	Where is most of our water used in Alice Springs homes?	View Answer