Saving water not only reduces water and energy bills, but you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet. Fresh water supports more than just our homes; it’s the lifeblood of our plants, crops, wildlife, food and drink – the sustenance for all human life, but, it’s not a limitless resource. The Smart Approved WaterMark provides an endorsement for products and services that are proven to save water, which is especially important when living in one of the world’s driest continents!
What is the Smart Approved WaterMark?
In a nutshell, the Smart Approved WaterMark provides certification for products and services across Australia and Europe that are water efficient. Following an application process, once approved these products and services are licensed to use the Smart WaterMark logo on their packaging, website and in any literature to communicate to customers their water-saving benefits. The board also plays an advisory role to businesses, water utilities, councils and more, offering resources to help encourage water efficiency.
Who decides what’s water efficient?
A Technical Expert Panel comprising of seven members and an independent chair representing international expertise come together to independently assess applications for products and services wanting to receive the coveted accreditation. Applications are considered against four criteria: water saving, fit for purpose, whether the product or service meets industry regulations and standards, and whether it is environmentally sustainable.
Why do you need it?
Products displaying the Smart Approved WaterMark label quickly informs consumers on the water efficiency of that product, helping them to choose water-saving goods when they’re shopping. This is especially important at Hoselink as we understand, when watering the garden, particularly in areas prone to drought or water restrictions, that every drop is precious. If you can use less water and get the same results, why not?
What’s the benefit?
Using water-efficient appliances and products is an excellent way to save water. Hoselink’s Hose Connector with Flow Control and Premium Ned Kelly Starter Kit are both Smart Approved WaterMark-certified products guaranteed not to leak, burst off your hose or waste a drop of water thanks to the connectors’ unique patented point and twist design. Never waste water again with Hoselink’s Hose Connector with Flow Control, one of our most innovative and water-efficient products yet. Turning the end of your hose into a tap, you can stop water flow by simply switching the lever to the off position; perfect for quickly swapping watering accessories as well as for increasing or decreasing water pressure – simply toggle the flow control lever as you please.
How else can I save water?
There are many ways you can be more water-efficient in the garden. Of course, choosing watering accessories designed to prevent water wastage and investing in good quality hose fittings offers a positive start, but the type of plants you have growing in the yard also plays a part. If you choose the wrong plants for the climate in which you live, such as moisture-loving plants in arid land, you could find yourself watering the garden far more often than is ideal and may even find you’re put on a sprinkler or water ban that disallows you to keep up with the demand of your plants. Choosing plants best suited to the climate where you live is one easy way to save water. Hot, dry areas will best suit drought-tolerant, evergreen and hardy plant varieties such as agapanthus, rosemary and rhaphiolepis. Humid regions lend themselves to growing ferns, begonias and aloe, while cool climate and frost-prone gardens suit azaleas, callistemons and viburnums, to name just a few. If you’re in an area prone to rain, then perennials like swamp banksia, tree ferns and sedges are ideal, particularly as they don’t mind occasional waterlogged soil. Once you’ve got the planting right, be sure to keep in mind the watering needs of each species. Grouping plants together that share similar needs will help you keep on top of maintenance and stay in control of the amount and frequency of water required.
Another simple way to save water is by investing in a rainwater tank to collect any rainfall which can then be reused to saturate your flower beds. Likewise, mulching in your garden beds will go a long way to helping this water last, as most types of natural mulch are excellent at trapping moisture, which can also reduce the need to water as often.
Watering at the right time of day, especially in summer, can reduce water wastage that might occur through evaporation; early morning is usually best as it gives the soil a chance to absorb the water and stay moist throughout the day. You can also invest in a weeper hose that seeps water out of small holes directly into the ground, ideally buried just below the surface of the soil or mulch to reduce evaporation and the amount of water used. Before you reach for the hose, it’s a good idea to feel the soil as often we overwater our plants, especially in hot weather. If the soil beneath the surface feels damp, then your plants will be OK for at least another day.
If you’re using a sprinkler, ensure you only use it for the amount of time required – don’t forget about it and leave it running all afternoon! It’s also important to turn off or pause any irrigation timers if it rains or has rained in the last 24 hours, to save watering unnecessarily.
Finally, get your soil in top shape to ensure it absorbs and holds water efficiently. Enriching your soil with manure and/or compost will really improve the quality of the earth.
