The most cost effective way to deliver water efficiency is by incorporating water saving principles into all aspects of the project from inception.

• Prepare a water saving action plan for your project that includes actions during construction, appliances and plumbing to be installed, reuse potential, landscaping and rainwater utilisation.
• Ensure that water conservation and the protection of water quality is included in all tender and contractual documentation.
• Stay up to-date with the latest opportunities for water conservation design and appliances. For more information see the Resources and Links.
• If you are designing a greenfield site, try to use natural draining swales instead of costly concrete drainage pipes. Install drainage systems that allow the polluted ‘first flush’ to be diverted into trade waste and the clean water that follows to flow into tanks, pond systems or drainage swales.
  

• Establish water conservation as a key objective of the project and ensure that everyone involved in the project is aware of their responsibilities.
• Provide induction training for new employees and contractors so that they are also aware of their responsibilities and the benefits of the program.
• Keep the water management plan on site and ensure that all employees are aware of and have access to it.
• Discuss water management at regular meetings.
• Keep track of ongoing achievements.
• Promote your successes with press releases to local media and industry associations.