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Why water efficiency?

Water savings can lead to gains for your business – whether it’s a few dollars more in your pocket, or the benefit to your business of becoming more sustainable. Just as importantly, saving water helps preserve a precious resource as we manage the impact of a drier climate and population growth.

While all Victorians are encouraged to target their personal water use to 150 litres per person per day, businesses can make small changes to be more water efficient too. Follow the steps below to explore ways to become more water efficient. 

1. Understand your water use

Get to know your water footprint 

Before diving into water-saving measures, it’s essential to know how much water your business uses, where it’s used, and at what times. This insight helps identify where water-saving measures can be implemented and if there are any leaks.  

Simple steps to start monitoring
  • Read your meter: check your water meter at the end of each day and again first thing in the morning. If your business is closed overnight, there should be little to no difference in the readings. A significant difference could indicate a leak
  • Track your bills: a noticeable increase in your water bill could signal a leak or inefficient appliances that need replacement

For more support, the Victorian Government’s WaterSmart program offers data logging or water audits for eligible organisations. Discover more on our WaterSmart page

2. Check your equipment

Equip your business with water-efficient appliances like taps, toilets, and dishwashers. The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme rates plumbing products and white goods up to 6 stars – the more stars, the more water-efficient the product. You can find more about choosing the right products at the WELS website

3. Engage your team
Bring your team on the journey

Water conservation is a team effort. Inspire your staff to join your sustainability mission by educating them about the importance of saving water.

Ways to involve your team:  
  • Education and communication: explain how water conservation aligns with your company’s sustainability goals
  • Signage: place informative signs around the workplace with practical water-saving tiips
  • Feedback channels: encourage staff to share their water-saving ideas through surveys or suggestion boxes
4. Optimise daily water use
Smart cleaning practices 

When possible use vacuums or brooms to clean hard surfaces instead of water. When using water is necessary, invest in high-pressure cleaning equipment to save both water and time. 

Plant care 

Enhance your office with low-water plants. Water plants at the end of the day to reduce evaporation and use mulch in outdoor areas to retain soil moisture. Installing rainwater tanks or drip irrigation systems can also boost efficiency.

Appliances
  • Toilets: regularly check for leaks by adding a few drops of food dye to the cistern. If the dye appears in the bowl without flushing, you may have a leak
  • Sinks: turn off taps immediately after use and avoid over-tightening. Install flow-controlled aerators to cuter water flow by 50%
  • Dishwashers: encourage staff to use dishwashers rather than handwashing, but only run them when full

Committed to water conservation

At South East Water, we’re passionate about making a positive impact for the community. By helping you understand and manage your water use, upgrade equipment, and engage your teams, we’re working together toward a more sustainable future. Together, we can make very drop count.  

For more information and tips on water conservation, visit Smart Water Advice

Related information

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