Manage water use

Conserving water is not only good for the environment, but also for your business’s bottom line.

By simply managing the runoff of water on a building site, or recycling the water you use, your business can significantly reduce its water bills. You may even gain a marketing advantage over your competitors.

Follow our steps to manage your business water use and meet government requirements.

Monitoring your water use helps you understand your water usage patterns, identify leaks and improve inefficiencies.

Establish your water usage benchmark to develop an understanding of what your regular usage is and what you should expect from future water usage.

To create your benchmark, begin by regularly recording your water usage. You can note the details in a log book or an online software that measures your water usage and waste.

The best way to monitor your water usage is to install sub meters on your premises. The sub meters can help you identify when and how your water is being used.

It’s important to pinpoint any water leaks you have. Water leaks are a form of water wastage and can increase your water bill.

If there is no known water consumption during a particular period, yet you are still consuming water, you may have a leak. If this happens, an inspection of your pipes should resolve any problems.

There are many ways to reduce your water use and use water more efficiently. By finding alternate ways to reuse or recycle waste water, you can reduce your business's water usage, expenses and environmental impact.

• Consider installing flow restrictors or water saving devices where possible to minimise unnecessary water consumption.
• Install rainwater tanks and other water savings tactics to increase savings on your water bills, help combat water shortages and provide access to fresh water during times of water restrictions and droughts.
• 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 are making a more environmentally friendly choice and may save money on water over time.

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. Learn about water usage in your state or territory.

• 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 service for unresolved complaints with your water supplier.

Find out about the complaints process, the types of complaints they can help you with 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

Grants and funding

There may be grants and assistance available to help you upgrade your water systems.