National Water Week

As Australia’s climate becomes hotter and drier, and our population continues to grow, there’s never been a more important time to talk about water. National Water Week, held annually in October, is a timely reminder of how essential it is to value, conserve and sustainably manage our most precious resource: water.

Organised by the Australian Water Association (AWA), National Water Week encourages individuals, communities and organisations to take action and become water-wise. The 2024 theme, “United by Water”, highlights the power of collective responsibility—because when it comes to water conservation, every drop truly does count.

Why Water Conservation Still Matters in 2024

Australia remains one of the driest inhabited continents on Earth. Water scarcity is an ongoing challenge, particularly for regional and remote communities. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall variability and increased evaporation from rising temperatures are placing pressure on our water supplies.

In 2024, many parts of Australia continue to experience the impacts of climate change, including more frequent droughts and extreme weather events. By saving water at home, school, work and in our communities, we’re helping to protect this critical resource for future generations.

Every Australian Uses More Water Than You Might Think

On average, Australians use around 340 litres of water per person per day. That’s roughly equivalent to 30–35 buckets of drinking-quality water—every single day. Much of that use happens in the bathroom, laundry and garden.

Small daily habits like shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances can make a big difference. Sydney Water, for example, estimates that reducing shower time by just one minute can save up to 9 litres of water per shower.

Simple Ways to Save Water at Home

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water usage, here are some practical tips:

• Install a water-efficient showerhead or flow restrictor.
• Turn off taps while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads.
• Use mulch and drought-tolerant plants in your garden.
• Harvest rainwater using a tank for your garden or toilet flushing.

Need help calculating your current water use? Check out these handy online tools from Smart Approved WaterMark, which offer water usage calculators and product guides for water-saving solutions.

Water Careers: Make a Sustainable Impact

Passionate about protecting the environment? A career in water and environmental management could be your perfect fit. Australia’s water sector offers a range of meaningful and future-proof careers—from water resource engineering to sustainability consulting and environmental science.

Explore related study options such as:

• Environmental Science and Management courses
• Sustainability and Renewable Energy courses
• Policy and Government courses focused on environmental regulation

These qualifications can open doors to roles that directly contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of water—making a real difference to communities and the planet.

Get Involved in National Water Week

Whether you’re a student, a parent, or simply someone who cares about the environment, there are many ways to get involved during National Water Week:

• Join local events, workshops or clean-up days in your community.
• Share tips on social media using the hashtag #NationalWaterWeek.
• Educate yourself and others about how to use water more sustainably.
• Challenge your workplace or school to take part in water-saving initiatives.

Find local activities and resources through your state or territory’s water authority or by visiting the Australian Water Association website.

Why It All Matters

Water sustains every part of life—from the food we eat to the ecosystems we depend on. National Water Week reminds us that sustainable choices today create a better future tomorrow.

Whether you want to make a small change at home or pursue a career that shapes a more sustainable world, every action counts. Let’s make every bucket matter—because together, we can create a water-wise Australia.