Always water during the early morning (5-8am) or late afternoon (5-8pm) see current water restrictions, when temperatures are cooler and the amount of water lost to evaporation is reduced.

Don't water on windy days. Water can be blown onto footpaths and driveways, which wastes your time, water and money. There should be no need to water lawns, and some gardens, for at least a week after rains.

While fertilisers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the absolute minimum amount of fertiliser needed, to keep watering at as low a level as possible.

Remember to keep your lawn and garden weeded. Weeds compete with your plants for water, as well as nutrients and light.

Start a compost pile. By mixing compost into your soil, you increase the organic matter content of your soil. A high soil organic matter content means a high soil water-holding capacity. This means that you can water less frequently, saving you time and money. By using our kitchen and garden scraps in a composting system, we are also alleviating some of the pressure on our town refuse disposal facility.

Collect and use rainwater for watering your lawns and gardens. This water is "free", and by using it just as wisely as the water you pay for, the savings in your pocket will really start to add up!

If you have an automated sprinkler system, install a rain shut-off device to eliminate unnecessary and wasteful watering. If not, teach your whole family how to shut off your watering system so anyone who is home can turn off the sprinklers when rain is coming.

Check your sprinkler system frequently and ensure that only your lawn is being watered, and not the house, footpath or street.

If you have an evaporative air conditioner, direct the water to drain onto a garden, tree or your lawn. In summer, this could save you a lot of watering time (and money).