When building of renovating

Building and renovating is an ideal time to make your home more water wise.

New homes

All new homes built in Victoria must comply with the 5 Star standard. The 5 Star standard requires:

• 5 Star energy rating for building fabric and water saving measures including water saving tapware, flow reducing showerheads and water pressure reduction to 500kPa at outlets within the home, plus
• Either a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or an approved solar hot water service

Renovations

There are currently no regulatory requirements for renovations to meet the 5 Star standard, however you must use pressure reduction and flow rate restrictions under the Plumbing Regulations 1998. Ask a licensed plumber for more information.

You can also save significant amounts of water by installing water saving tapware and showerheads, rainwater tanks or greywater systems (to divert wastewater to your garden or for toilet flushing). 

You should also consider water saving options when design your garden.