Manage water use

To help you understand how much water you use and how to improve, you’ll need to measure your water usage. This will help you to:

• establish a benchmark
• understand your biggest areas of use
• identify leaks and inconsistencies
• identify opportunities to improve your efficiency (and save you money).

To create your benchmark, begin by regularly recording your water usage and waste. Your water consumption information can be determined in a few ways:

• by installing submeters on your premises for more detailed and accurate data
• by requesting and reviewing the water bills and consumption statements supplied by your utilities provider.

Month to month tracking of your data will give you a more accurate picture of what is happening in your business. But you can also track on a quarterly or annual basis.

Water leaks can cause a number of issues for your business, including mould and structural damage to your premises. They also increase the cost of your water bill and the impact on our environment. 

Inconsistencies in your water bill can be a sign of a water leak. For example, if there is no known water use during a particular period, but your data shows you’re still using water, you may have a leak. If this happens you should contact a plumber and organise a check of your pipes.

Finding ways to reuse or recycle water will help you reduce your business's usage, expenses and environmental impact.

• Consider installing flow restrictors or water saving devices to minimise unnecessary water use. You can install on existing hardware or upgrading.
• Install rainwater tanks and other water storage equipment. This will help to:
• save money on your water bills
• help combat water shortages
• provide access to fresh water during times of restrictions and droughts.
• Reuse greywater for irrigation or toilet cisterns.
• Take note of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) labels on equipment that you purchase. By choosing a product with a higher rating, you’re making a more environmentally friendly choice and may save money on water over time.
• If you have plants, consider efficient irrigation methods or use native species that require less water.
• Consider how you provide water to customers. You offer water as requested to help, reduce the amount of water wasted.

Water standards and testing requirements vary depending on your industry, the way you use water and your location.

State and territory water resources

Each state and territory has unique water resources and information. Check your state and territory to learn about water usage requirements.

• ACT Environment and Planning Directorate
• Government of Western Australia Department of Water and Environmental Regulation
• Northern Territory Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security
• NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment
• Queensland Environment, Land and Water
• Tasmanian Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
• Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

Water Ombudsman

Ombudsmen provide free, fair and independent dispute resolution services for unresolved complaints with your water supplier.

Find out about the complaints process, how they can help with your complaint, and how to submit a complaint.

• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW
• Ombudsman NT
• Energy and Water Ombudsman Queensland
• Energy and Water Ombudsman SA
• Energy Ombudsman Tasmania
• Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria
• Energy and Water Ombudsman Western Australia