Gardening Australia stars launch Water Night 2023

Chris EdwardsOctober 16, 2023, 8:12 amJanuary 18, 2024

Costa Georgiadis launches Water Night 2023, calling on Australian households to think twice before reaching for the tap.

Nine in 10 Australians (91 per cent) are concerned about saving water. This is more than biodiversity (85 per cent), reducing carbon emissions (80 per cent) or climate change (77 per cent). However, new research shows that good intentions are failing to translate into action for the majority.

The national data released by The Water Conservancy ahead of Water Night on 19 October reveals a nation acutely aware of water scarcity and ready to do its part. That same population remains unclear on the everyday actions that impact water scarcity.

As the study shows, nearly seven in 10 (68 per cent) correctly agree that the world faces significant water shortages within the next two decades unless water is drastically reduced.

Further, over three-quarters (77 per cent) rate themselves as being knowledgeable about water usage. One in five (19 per cent) believe they are extremely knowledgeable.

Over nine in ten (92 per cent) agree that it is necessary to limit water usage in the event of a drought. This concern will likely be heightened as Australia braces itself for another El Nino event. It is expected to bring intensified heatwaves, more severe bushfires and drought conditions.

An overwhelming nine in ten nationwide (89 per cent) say they either presently limit their water usage or intend to do so in the future. Nearly all (97 per cent) say they commit to or try to commit to day-to-day behaviours to support a healthy environment.

Water literacy needs work

Awareness is high, and intentions are good. However, the study reveals a lack of understanding of the small changes that can make a big difference when saving water every day.

Less than half (46 per cent) keep showers for less than five minutes. A further 49 per cent fill up the washing machine or dishwasher (42 per cent) before they go on. Only four in 10 have installed water-efficient taps and shower heads (41 per cent) or avoid washing up under taps (39 per cent). The most common consistent water habit is checking for leaks in taps, pipes and toilets. However, just over half (54 per cent) are committed to this habit.

In response, Gardening Australia’s Costa Georgiadis is calling on Australians to join Water Night on 19 October 2023. The Water Conservancy runs the annual event. It’s now in its fourth year and asks individuals and households to turn off all non-essential taps from 5-10 p.m. This supports more decisive action on climate change, increasing water awareness and driving long-term behaviour change.

CEO of The Water Conservancy, Chris Philpot, said the research highlights a gap between what people think they know, their best intentions and what they do regarding water usage.

“It’s clear from our research that most Australians are concerned about the environment and water supplies. However, many are unaware of the daily micro habits that all add up when saving water and helping protect our precious environment,” said Philpot.

He continues, “Most of us are unaware of how often we reach for our taps. Water Night creates an opportunity to check in on this. It also encourages people to learn new ways to be more sustainable with their usage. As we head into a summer with increased drought risk and sky-high cost of living pressures, it’s a no-brainer that saving water is just good sense for our planets and pockets.”

Gardening Australia supports Water Night

Long-running campaign ambassador Costa Georgiadis and his Gardening Australia colleague, Sophie Thomson, are just two of many high-profile Australians already registered to participate in this year’s Water Night and encouraging others to join.

Costa Georgiadis said: “If you care about our planet, I encourage you to sign up for Water Night. It’s a simple but incredibly effective way to come together and commit to improving our collective water awareness. Knowledge is power. Each one of us can make a positive impact and save more water. Water Night is a great way to kick start that journey,” Georgiadis said.

The good news is that Australians are responding positively to the government’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. The WELS scheme is designed to help people save money on their water and energy bills. It allows consumers to make informed choices about the water efficiency of the products they’re buying.

Over four in five (83 per cent) Australians have embraced the scheme. Almost half (47 per cent) say they use it all the time, while over a third (36 per cent) say it sometimes.

Additionally, half (50 per cent) of Australians are aware of The Water Conservancy’s independent Smart Approved WaterMark scheme. Four in five (85 per cent) of those who use it say they trust it.