The Water section of BASIX aims to reduce the potable water consumption of all new residential developments. The benchmark is 90,340 litres of water per person per year (or 247 litres per person per day), which was the average potable water consumption of a pre-BASIX home.

The water reduction target ranges from 40% to 0% depending on the climatic zone. The 40% reduction target applies to 90% of new residential development and 98% of high-growth areas. The BASIX targets are determined from data provided by state and federal energy and water utilities, as well as long-term climate data from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Water consumption and savings will be assessed on:

• Landscape
• Fittings and fixtures
• Alternative water sources and how they are used
• Pools and outdoor spas
• other energy uses
• Central systems and common areas.

Tip: Reducing the demand for hot water by installing efficient showerheads and taps will also reduce the energy required for water heating and improve your score in the Energy section.