With extreme water restrictions set to come into force in October, a local resident is calling for gardeners to reconsider their watering strategies.
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Peter Varman has been utilising leftover water from around the house to water plants via reusable plastic containers.
Mr Varman collects the water from his shower and washing machine and with level 4-5 water restrictions coming up, he says residents should carefully consider their water usage.
"Half an hour isn't long enough to water a standard garden, so we need to utilise as much recycled water as we can to drought-proof our plants," he said.
"We collect around five to six buckets of water a night, and it provides more than enough to water the garden."
The reusable plastic containers are buried in the soil with the open lid face down in order to feed water directly to the deep roots of a plant.
Mr Varman said the process allows for a more economical use of water.
"Instead of waving the hose around everywhere, the containers allow the plant to fully soak up all the water it receives," he said.
"Most people think waving the hose around for half an hour will be enough, but the issue is not enough water reaches the plant's foundations."
Mr Varman has a storied background in horticulture, and said plants require a lot of attention to ensure they don't die out in drought conditions.
"They take a long time to grow and cost a great deal of money to maintain," he said.
"The average plant costs $18, and implementing smarter water strategies can save you a lot of money in the long term until rainfall improves."
Bathurst was placed under level 3 water restrictions in November last year, however a third successive dry winter has ensured a continued drop in the water level at Ben Chifley Dam.
As of July 23, the dam level is at 44 per cent.
Mr Varman said the stricter water restrictions are necessary, but feels a more gradual process should've been implemented to preserve the dam's supply.
"Water is a precious resource, and I feel the vast majority of people take it for granted," he said.
Peter's water tips
- Install buckets in the shower and washing machine basin to catch leftover water.
- Some reverse-cycle air conditioners produce recyclable water.
- Place recyclable plastic containers [i.e. one litre milk bottles cut in half] in the soil next to plants.
- Use wetting agents to prevent soil from becoming water repellent.
- Use seaweed extract to stimulate plants.
- Don't cut lawns too short.
- Avoid using soaker hoses.
- Mulch as regularly as possible.
