One degree

Australians live on the world's driest continent, and climate change could make it even drier. Yet we use more water per person than almost any nation on earth.

Saving water reduces greenhouse gas emissions as a large part of the cost of water is the energy used to pump it. And it's easy to use a lot less water just by doing simple things such as fixing leaks, not letting the tap run while you're cleaning your teeth and putting the plug in rather than rinsing dishes under a running tap.

A water-saving showerhead and aerating tap filters only cost a few dollars and will quickly pay for themselves by reducing the hot water you use, while a rainwater tank can provide tens of thousands of litres of extra water a year.

Nearly half of the water we use goes on our gardens, so this is an area where you can make a huge difference. For instance, by using native Australian plants and drought-resistant varieties of turf you can create a garden that thrives with little or no watering.

Facts

• Each year the average Australian household uses 230,000 litres of water.
• Sydney has twice as much rain as London each year.
• Homes and gardens account for about 12 per cent of water used in Australia.

Tips

• Fit a water-saving showerhead - from around $20, it can more than halve the hot water you use.
• Fit water-saving tap filters and put in the plug when you wash hands or rinse dishes.
• Use a small bucket or container to catch the initial cold water from your shower or taps, then use it on your plants.
• Make your garden water-wise by mulching (which reduces evaporation) and planting native plants and drought-resistant lawns.
• Wait until your dishwasher and washing machines are full before running them.