Why every day is a good day to save water

When the grass is looking brown and the swimming pool is getting low, it’s easy to forget about saving water, especially when our storages are looking healthy or rain is forecast. But in the Lower Hunter, warm weather and high demand can put pressure on our water supply very quickly, making everyday water-saving habits more important than ever.

Here’s why saving water should stay top of mind this summer, rain, hail or shine.

Build good habits before you need them

Saving water consistently helps build simple, sustainable habits that become second nature. Just like switching off lights when you leave a room, water-saving actions, such as turning off the tap while prepping meals or keeping showers short — are most effective when they’re part of your everyday routine.

During hot and dry periods, demand for water can spike quickly. If you’re already used to saving water, it’s much easier to adjust during peak demand or dry conditions. Building these habits now helps us all appreciate this precious resource, no matter the weather.

Warm weather means higher demand and faster evaporation

Hot summer days place extra pressure on the Lower Hunter’s water supply. Our region has shallow water storages, which combined with high evaporation rates, means water levels can drop faster than in many other major Australian cities.

Just a few very hot days can significantly increase water use across the region — due to extra showers and laundry added to extra garden watering. While summer storms can help, very warm conditions can cause dams to lose large volumes of water to evaporation, particularly during heatwaves.

That’s why saving water during warm weather is so important, even when rain is forecast or has recently fallen.

Our climate is becoming more unpredictable

Climate change is making weather patterns less predictable, with hotter days and nights, increased evaporation, and more variable rainfall. While long-range forecasts may point to wetter periods, this doesn’t always translate into lasting improvements in water storage.

Saving water when it seems plentiful helps ensure we’re better prepared for extended dry or hot periods — and helps protect supply over the long term.

Our water infrastructure works hard, especially in summer

Hunter Water’s drinking water network operates 24/7 and includes:

• 6 water treatment plants

• 61 reservoirs

• 94 pumping stations

• More than 5,000 kilometres of pipes

During periods of high demand, particularly in hot weather, this infrastructure works even harder to keep water flowing to homes and businesses.

Using water wisely helps reduce pressure on the network and supports the long-term performance of our assets. At the same time, Hunter Water continues to invest in maintaining and upgrading infrastructure to ensure reliable water services for the region.

Saving water can help your household budget

Using less water can also help save money. Shorter showers, fixing leaks, and only running full loads in the dishwasher or washing machine can reduce both water and energy bills.

Over time, small changes can add up to noticeable savings. Good for your budget and good for the environment.

Feel good about doing the right thing

Research shows most people understand that saving water is important but putting it into practice can sometimes be challenging. The good news is that simple, practical habits really do make a difference.

With more than 600,000 people living in the Lower Hunter, small actions taken by many households can have a big collective impact on our water supply.

Every day is a good day to save water

Saving water is about recognising that water is a precious resource, especially during warm weather when demand and evaporation are high.

Turn off the tap while you’re not using it, fix that dripping tap, keep showers to four minutes, and water gardens early or late in the day.

Rain, hail, or shine - every day is a good day to save water.