Look after the catchments

There are things we can all do to help protect the catchments and our water supply so that we enjoy a reliable supply - now and in the future. Here are some ideas you can try - no matter where you live, they are important things to remember because we all drink the water our catchments provide:

• Always use the rubbish bin
• Put cotton buds and tissues in the bin - not down the toilet
• Don't pour oil and grease down the sink - put it in a container and then the bin
• Wash paint brushes in an old tin rather than under the running tap.

• Wash the car on the grass
• Use phosphate-free detergents
• Use less water
• Wash all the dishes together and save water and detergents

• Plant more native trees and shrubs
• Water the garden in the cool part of the day
• Put your grass clippings and food scraps on the compost heap
• Use organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers.
• Plant trees as wind breaks and to protect the soil from erosion

• Obey the signs in the parks and leave parks in a better state than when you found them
• Obey fire warning signs
• When camping in the bush, take your rubbish away with you and make sure fires are completely extinguished.
• Always keep to marked trails when bushwalking.
• Take only photographs and leave only footprints
• Don't allow domestic animals to wander in the bush.

• Carry a pooper-scooper or plastic bag to clean up when walking your dog.
• Pick up rubbish - even if it's not yours!

Like to get more involved? - join a Landcare group, a Streamwatch group, or apply for a community grant.