Every Last Drop: The Water-Saving Guide

Two per cent of NSW not in drought Summer crop yield smallest in 20 years Voters' choice: it all comes down to water Grim forecasts for thirsty summer crops Melbourne's water restrictions to stay.

The number one issue in Australia today is water.

Take a bucket into the shower with you tomorrow morning.

Let it fill up while the water gets hot. Dump it on your garden as you head out the door, and you've just saved water. It's so easy and so necessary. Australia is the driest populated continent on the planet and water restrictions are only getting more severe as global warming and population growth threaten supplies. We cannot live without water, so it is up to everyone to act now. Save water, save money, save our future!

Every Last Drop is a practical guide that will take you on a journey through your kitchen, bathroom, laundry and garden offering low cost tips that will help you save 50,000 litres of water a year. 'The solution may not need big band-aids such as desalinisation or the building of expensive catchments; we can all do our bit and I can show you how through this simple guide.

About the Water Bloke

Craig Madden has been working in the water industry for over four years and has a 'hands-on' approach to domestic water saving. He has installed over 500 greywater systems and Rain-flush systems for households around the country. The Water Bloke is here to help.



Random House Australia
By Craig Madden & Amy Carmichael
ISBN: 9781741668889
RRP: $24.95

Craig's top twenty

tips to take away 1. Use rainwater to flush the toilets and fill the washing machine.
2. Recycle your greywater onto the garden.
3. Use buckets in the shower to catch warm up water.
4. Use drip irrigation only in the garden or hand trigger hoses, whether recycling or not.
5. Shave legs first with a small bucket and rinse in shower.

6. Install a water saving showerhead.
7. Lay 75 100 mm of mulch on the garden. Straws are the best.
8. Use a pool cover.
9. Change to green energy (refer to authority list in back of book).
10. Don't be afraid to call the EPA if you see a regular water waster (refer to authority list in back of book).
11. Get a water audit or assessment from your water company or private expert to see where you can save.
12. Check the house fixtures regularly for leaks.
13. Use a water efficient washing machine and dishwasher. Do your research.
14. Plant new gardens in groupings according to the needs of particular plants.
15. Fill the kettle just enough for a cuppa.
16. Keep showers under five minutes. Buy a shower timer.
17. Consider a composting toilet. At least install a dual flush system.
18. Catch public transport where possible.
19. Use recycled products (toilet paper and packaging).
20. Share knowledge. Listen to your children!