The easing of water restrictions by the State Government sends the wrong message about water consumption, according to the state’s peak environment group.
“Rainfall will be more variable under climate change so we must continue to use water efficiently to meet the demands of future dry periods,” Nature Conservation Council of NSW executive director Cate Faehrmann said today.
“Outdoor use accounts for about 40 per cent of household water consumption and restrictions promote efficient water practices in the garden. “Sydneysiders are in the habit of thinking carefully about their water consumption, with many planting low water-use gardens and using mulch to reduce evaporation.
“Water restrictions give the Government time to expand our level of recycling, increase the number of rainwater tanks and improve our water conservation. These measures are more sustainable options than the desalination plant for securing our water supply.
“We need to prepare now for the increased variability of rainfall under climate change and not squander precious drinking water through inefficiency or overwatering,” Ms Faehrmann said.
