Saving water in the garden

- Water only what your plants need - most of the water wasted in your garden comes from watering your plants more often than needed or having an inefficiently arranged irrigation system. Make sure that if your irrigation system is on an automatic timer, it is turned off after rain.
- Place sprinklers so that you are watering your garden - not the driveway - and turn them on at night or in the mornings and evenings to minimise evaporation.  Don't leave the sprinkler running all day.  Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.
- Avoid watering the garden during the heat of the day. Do it in the morning and evening - several short waterings are better than one long one.
- Plant smart.  Try planting different varieties of hardy, drought resistant plants, especially on steep slopes where there is a lot of runoff. Succulents, cacti and desert plants are easy care and provide interesting shapes and textures for your garden. 
- Put mulch or compost on your flowerbeds. The organic matter above the soil will help to trap in moisture, prevent weeds from growing, and provide important nutrients to your plants.
- Put your lawnmower onto the highest setting - let your grass grow a little longer. This lets the roots grow deeper and adds surface area to the grass blades so they hold more water and don't need irrigating as often.    

Saving water outside your home 

- Sweep, don't hose - sweep paths and driveways rather than hosing then down.
- Cover your pool to reduce evaporation.
- Wash your car like a pro - professional race-car groomers use a dry-washing agent and wax. This takes great care of the paintwork and keeps the car looking its glossy best.
- Use a bucket - to clean your boat or bike, only use the hose to rinse off.
- Wash your car on the grass and water your lawn at the same time.