Page 21 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 6_2023

Gardening

Predictions are that the demand for water will outstrip supply by

2025. The only answer to this dilemma lies in changing people's
attitude and thus their behaviour to use water more wisely. Here
are ten tips to save water.

IN THE HOUSE
Where to start
Visit the Water Wise website and use
the calculator to calculate your current
water use.

Draw up a plan
Take a look at the Water Wise report
generated from the calculator to see
where you use most of your water and
start there. If it’s in the shower, reduce
your showering time. Plan on how
much you want to save. The Water Wise
website has a lot of great information
on saving water and reducing your
consumption.

Read your water meter
Learn how to read your water metre
(usually just outside your property - for
complexes ask the Body Corporate) to
see how much water you consume daily,
weekly and monthly. More importantly, a garden in the morning before 7:00 am during rainy seasons. There is no need
water metre is a great way of detecting if or in the afternoon after 6:00 pm. Only to water if you have received enough
there is a leak in your home or garden. water when plants show signs of needing rainfall.
water.
Make small stickers or posters Harvest rainwater
Remember that some habits are hard Make use of greywater This can be as simple as putting a bucket
to change. Make interesting posters Reusing greywater in the garden is outside when it rains, or installing a
that you can put around your house as another great way of saving water. rain tank and directing water from the
a reminder. This is a fun activity one can Make sure that the greywater is suitable gutters into the tank. This method can
do with children. for the types of plants you have in the also reduce your water bill.
garden. Visit the Water Wise website for
IN THE GARDEN more information. Hydro-zone your garden
It’s all about the timing Grouping plants according to their
Watering times are very important Install a rain gauge watering needs not only saves water
when it comes to watering a garden. This is a simple way of measuring how but it can save you money. Divide the
The earlier, the better. Try to water the much you need to water the garden garden into high, medium, low and
very low water zones. Then water
accordingly.

Mulch and mulch and mulch!
Mulching your garden saves water,
protects plant roots and prevents weeds.
Mulch helps with retaining soil moisture,
making it easy to maintain your garden
and reducing the amount of water your
garden needs.

There are many other simple ways you
can save water. Visit the Water Wise
website by going to the Rand Water
website and clicking on the Water Wise
logo for more information.
Always be Water Wise!

20 DPL issue 6 2023 DPL issue 6 2023 21
8 DPL issue 4 2023