Get rid of your waste disposal unit
Litres of water go down the drain every time you use the waste disposal system. Put food scraps on the compost heap and rubbish in the bin.
Turn off the tap
Minimize the time you leave the water running when you aren’t using it e.g. when brushing your teeth.
Lower the pressure
Consider lowering your water pressure or install low-flow showerheads and drop the flow from 24 litres per minute to 9.
Catch the rain
Using rainwater:
- reduces demand for mains water supply and you save on your water rates.
- reduces flooding by providing temporary storage for rainwater.
- reduces wet weather sewage overflows.
- reduces pollution of our beaches and waterways
Top tips for reducing the amount of water that you use outdoors:
Don’t over-water your plants.
Use an irrigation system with a timer or a good old fashioned
watering can rather than a hose. Water plants in the evening to avoid evaporation
Smart gardening
Try planting different varieties of hardy, drought resistant plants, particularly on steep slopes where there is a lot of runoff. Add mulch to your flowerbeds to help to trap moisture. Visit the Best Gardening website for more ideas.
Catch the rain
Rainwater is free! With a good sized rainwater tank you can replace around half the water you use from the mains just through using it in the laundry, toilet and garden.
Wash your car on the grass and water your lawn at the same time. This also protects the environment by preventing the cleaning agents from flowing down along the stormwater drains and out to sea.
Cover your pool to reduce evaporation.
Rainwater tanks
Rainwater tanks are a common method of water supply for homes in the Rodney District.
We provide a Rainwater Tank Rebate Scheme to encourage homeowners in urban areas to install rainwater tanks. A $500 rebate is available per home plus payment of any consent costs associated with plumbing the tank into the home (amounting to approximately $1,000 per applicant).
Download an application form and check the terms and conditions here.
To request a copy of the application form by post please contact us.