Australians are notorious for having a love affair with the water. In fact, when it comes to an Australian summer, you'll find most people at the beach, near a swimming pool or trying to find some other way to keep cool.
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However, today many parts of the country are facing a severe water shortage. It's not due to the fact that we're not getting enough rain – in fact, the cruel irony of it is that the shortage is due to the rain falling in the wrong areas.
While our recent dump of rain in Sydney has got Warragamba up to 50 percent capacity, water restrictions remain in parts of the country, with fines applying for breaches of those restrictions. Beyond that, many of us are looking at ways we can save water at home. And if you think residential water usage doesn't matter in the greater scheme of things, think again. Sydney Water reports that the water we use inside and outside our homes accounts for around 70 percent of the city's total water consumption.
However the good news is that not only are you doing your bit for the environment when you save water with the products and tips we've found, but you can also end up saving money.
Water restrictions vary from region to region, and in some areas don't apply at all. To find out exact details of what you can and can't do, check the website of your state's water commission.
Generally, metropolitan areas in the east tend to be under level three restrictions, including Sydney and Melbourne, although Queensland is under level four.
This means that activities such as watering lawns, washing cars and filling pools are regulated by the government when using the town water supply and both individuals and businesses can face fines for breaking the rules.
One way to get around this is to get your own tank. Read on for the options...
