Water wise

Water wise homes

Every home plays a part in protecting our waterways — both by reducing water use and by preventing pollution.

New Homes

In NSW, the BASIX® (Building Sustainability Index) program ensures new homes are built to be more water-efficient. A BASIX certificate is required for all new residential developments, major renovations, and pools.

Existing Homes

If you're living in an existing home, there are still many easy and cost-effective ways to reduce your water use and care for local creeks and rivers. From shorter showers to smarter gardening, small changes add up.

Reducing water use

  • Fix dripping taps and leaking toilets
  • Install water-efficient appliances and fixtures (e.g. low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets)
  • Water your garden early in the morning or late evening
  • Choose drought-tolerant plants and use mulch to retain soil moisture
  • Collect and reuse rainwater where possible – install a rainwater tank
  • Water Saving Tips – Sydney Water
  • WaterFix Residential

Preventing water pollution

The water from our homes and gardens eventually flows into creeks and rivers — often without treatment. You can help protect our waterways by:

  • Sweeping driveways and gutters instead of hosing them
  • Washing cars on the grass or using a commercial car wash
  • Raking up leaves and grass clippings and composting them
  • Putting cigarette butts and litter in the bin
  • Taking bags when walking the dog and binning pet waste
  • Cleaning paintbrushes over soil or in sinks connected to the sewer
  • Reporting stormwater pollution to Council, Sydney Water or the EPA

Sewerage and stormwater

Sewage overflows are costly and unpleasant — and often caused by stormwater entering the sewer system through faulty pipes or illegal connections. As a property owner, you are responsible for managing and maintaining plumbing within your property boundary. If you suspect a problem, ask a plumber about CCTV or smoke testing. Fixing broken pipes helps prevent overflows and protects local creeks.

 

Water wise business

Whether you're running a café, a warehouse, or an office, managing water wisely is good for the environment and good for business.

Efficient water use can:

  • Cut operational costs
  • Support sustainability goals
  • Build your brand reputation
  • Show leadership in your industry
  • Protect local waterways

Reducing water use

Sydney Water offers benchmarking tools and support programs to help businesses use water more efficiently. Start by:

  • Reviewing your water bills and tracking usage
  • Comparing your consumption against industry benchmarks
  • Fixing leaks and upgrading to water-efficient fittings
  • Training staff in water-saving practices
  • Reusing water where safe and appropriate

Water friendly business program

Sydney water has a variety of Water Conservation programs with subsidies, to find out of you are eligible please email: waterefficiency@sydneywater.com.au or visit Water efficiency tips.

For small business

Sydney Water offers a small business water saving program which helps assess your water use, connect with a local plumber, and make subsidised water savings changes of up to $1,000. Check WaterFix Small Business to see if you are eligible for the pilot program.

For larger business

The WaterFix commercial program helps government buildings, schools and universities, theatres, office towers, hotels, shopping centres, neighbourhood swimming pools, and more, with assessment, monitoring, business specific recommendations and installation support.

Preventing stormwater pollution

Many small to medium sized businesses in Hornsby Shire are of a high priority with concern to stormwater pollution. This particularly includes industrial areas in Hornsby, Thornleigh and Mount Kuring-gai, however all businesses should be thinking about their environmental impact and taking measures to minimise it.

Things businesses can do to keep our waterways clean

  • Keep your premises clean to avoid unintentional pollution of the stormwater system
  • Ensure drainage from any work or wash areas are isolated from the stormwater
  • Make arrangements to recycle used oils, chemicals and other materials or dispose of them at an approved waste depot
  • Locate tanks and valves in a bunded area (i.e. a low wall built to contain liquids). Speed humps across the entrance to the workshop can turn the whole workshop into a bunded area
  • Dry sweep or vacuum rather than hose down work floors and forecourts to help conserve water as well as prevent stormwater pollution
  • Be responsible with waste created by your business operations and look for ways to recycle and reduce waste production.

Managing spills

  • Have an emergency spill response plan and ensure employees are aware of the procedure
  • Stop the source of the spills and isolate or contain it from the stormwater system
  • For clean-up of small scale spills, consult the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals involved in the spill. These data sheets provide relevant information for specific liquid types and are available from chemical manufacturers and suppliers
  • For large scale hazardous spills contact the NSW Fire Brigade (000) immediately for help with clean-up operations.
  • Solutions to pollution for small industries and businesses

Construction and building sites

If your business is involved in construction, ensure sediment and soil don’t wash off-site. Use erosion and sediment controls, stabilise exposed soil, and sweep roads daily. Never hose soil into drains.

For more information: Erosion and Sediment Control Plans

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