Water Tips: Outdoor
Lush, tropical, green gardens and landscapes are a constant backdrop in our region. We all want inviting outdoor spaces to enjoy and admire, however in the pursuit of a green garden we use approximately 40% of household water outdoors.
A typical home in Cairns uses in excess of 200,000 litres of water in one year. About 40% of this occurs outdoors which equates to over 80,000 litres.
Did you know that by watering your lawn for an hour you can use 1,000 litres of water! Thats over 110 buckets of water!
We think the garden is a great place to start saving water and money!
Good gardening habits can make a significant difference in saving water such as:
- Are you watering your garden too much?
It's important to water only when your garden or lawn needs it. Watering longer, but less often, will encourage plants to extend their roots deeper making them more robust and less thirsty.
- Rain is a free and easy way to water your garden!
Watch the weather and let the rain do the work for you.
- Remember...mulch, mulch, mulch!
Mulching your garden helps reduce water loss through evaporation, retain moisture in the soil and conserve water by reducing the need to irrigate.
- Be mindful of your permitted water times.
Mandatory Permanent Water Conservation Measures are in place in the Cairns Regional Council area for private gardens and commercial watering. Make sure your aware of the permitted water times as they affect you and irrigate your garden only as water times allow.
How do I save water outdoors and in the garden?
Click here for information on being water wise outdoors and in the garden including water wise gardening for the Tropics, garden design advise and other helpful hints and tips.
Check out the Being waterwise with your swimming pool & spa brochure. Simple tips for you to enjoy you pool or spa and still be waterwise!
Download fact sheets from the WaterWise Water Efficient Gardening Guide series developed by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) for more water saving garden tips and information.
The Australian Centre for Lifestyle Horticulture has produced a handy booklet called Smart Gardening for the Future.
The booklet contains useful information to help you create a beautiful garden using less water, whether your a keen or casual gardener.
You will also find a selection of gardens from different climatic regions in Queensland, including the Tropical Garden, to help you create a similar effect in your own backyard.
This booklet is available by calling our Communications Department on (07) 4044 3044.
Funding
Government rebates are available for up to $1,000 to purchase and install a rainwater tank or greywater system. See the National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative for more information.
For more water tips for your home, click on one of the links below:
