Water
Managing water and our increasing demand on this fragile resource is a major global threat. Without water there can be no life. Often we only think of water in times of drought or when water quality is bad. Do you know where your water comes from? Or where it is headed once it swishes down the drain? As more people reach for the tap these become important questions. A growing population requires more food, more houses, more roads, more cars, more shopping centres - all of which increase the demand for clean, fresh water.
Fast Facts
- About 80 per cent of the world is covered by water or ice but only 1 per cent is suitable for human use
- Australia is the world’s driest continent, having the lowest average rainfall of any inhabited continent
- The human body is 50-65 per cent water
- An average person can survive for nearly two months without food, but less than a week without drinking water
What Can I do?
- Use plant based, phosphate and sulphate free washing and cleaning products
- Wash the car on the lawn
- Never tip harsh chemicals or oils down the drain
- Clean up your pet poo - Over half the germs in the ocean after heavy rainfall are from dog poo in stormwater runoff!
- Purchase water efficient appliances
- Plant drought tolerant natives in your garden to reduce the need for watering
- Cover your pool when not in use to reduce evaporation
- Mulch your gardens to retain water in the soil
- Install a drip irrigation system for garden watering
- Install a water tank
- Install a grey water re-use system
- Promptly fix any leaks around the house
- Run washing machines and dishwashers only when you have a full load
Resources
How to save water in schools
www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au
Water Keepers Australia
www.waterkeepers.org.au
Australian Government - Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
Water Matters
Conducting a Water Audit
Water Audit Process
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
Waterways Health Check
CERES Community Environment Park
Sustainability Facts & Figures: Water
