Waterwise

Growing water plants does not mean you need to use excessive water. Research from the USA shows that an ornamental pond does not use any more water than an equivalent patch of lawn. Your pond can also provide important habitat for frogs, fish and will attract insects which then attracts birds to your garden. Ponds can also be used to grow edible aquatic plants.

If your pond has good plant coverage over its surface area, evaporation will be reduced. Waterplants will adapt to seasonal water level changes and ponds can be designed to only rely on natural rainfall. In very hot dry areas of Australia good wind and shade protection will further reduce water evaporation.

Waterplants grown in the appropriate containers hold water and only need regular topping up in hot weather.

Collection of roof water into water tanks where possible will allow you to reduce your reliance on mains water.