About the Project

Living Water Smart is a Power and Water initiative helping communities across the Northern Territory to use water more wisely.

A lot of us still believe the Territory has an endless supply of water. But that’s simply not the case. We’re using more water than can be sustainably sourced and supplied in the long run.

Our program is all about helping Territorians get smarter with water while still enjoying the unique lifestyle we love. By working together, we can protect this precious resource so it’s there for us now and for generations to come.

Living Water Smart shares simple tips and everyday habits that make a real difference. Most of our water use is unnecessary and easy to reduce - saving you water, time and money.

We support communities, businesses, schools, councils and government agencies across the NT with practical, achievable ways to cut water waste.

Leaks

Leaks are one of the biggest sources of water waste across the Territory. Even a small, hidden leak can waste thousands of litres every day — and cost you hundreds of dollars each year.

That’s why Power and Water launched the Stop for a Leak campaign to help households and businesses find and fix leaks quickly. You can report a leak in your area or on public property through our website.

Every leak you find and fix helps save water, lowers bills, and protects our community’s water supply.

Gardens and Irrigation

Many of us are guilty of giving our gardens a little too much love. And let’s be honest, wrangling with our irrigation systems and understanding how much water each plant needs can be overwhelming.

It’s easy not to notice a broken pipe or leaky sprinkler, or to know exactly how much water each plant really needs. And those mysterious brown patches on our lawns? Well, we’ve all been there.

We are here to help you get the most out of your garden while keeping water use in check.

Government and Councils

A big part of Living Water Smart is working with local councils and government agencies to keep public green spaces healthy without wasting water.

We share the latest irrigation tech, run training programs, and support Water Management Plans for parks and public facilities.

We’ve also recently launched The Ultimate Irrigation User Guide, packed with simple how-to information for maintaining a thriving garden, plus handy design and seasonal watering tips.

Schools

We’re inspiring young Territorians with our That’s My Water! program - a science-based curriculum unit, it connects students with industry experts and STEM professionals.

With tailored content for Years 3 to 8 and in partnership with the Department of Education, the program teaches students why water matters and how they can make a difference in their own homes and communities.

We also help schools save water (and money) by checking for leaks, improving irrigation schedules, and supporting gardeners and contractors to manage water efficiently across school grounds.

We also have a bush schools' version of That's My Water for schools not based in Darwin. You can register your interest in our school based programs here.