Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to page navigation Skip to search
Home

Top navigation main

  • News & media
  • Jobs
  • Ministers
  • Contact us
Main menu

AWE Main

  • Climate change
    Climate change Driving climate action, science and innovation so we are ready for the future.
    • Climate science and adaptation
    • Australia's climate change action
    • Reducing emissions
    • Emissions reporting
    • International climate action
    • Climate Active
    • Climate change publications and data
    • Australia’s National Greenhouse Accounts (Emissions Data)
  • Energy
    Energy Building a secure and sustainable energy system for all Australians.
    • Australia's energy strategies and frameworks
    • Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council
    • Renewable energy
    • Reducing transport emissions
    • Energy data
    • Energy efficiency
    • Energy markets
    • Energy programs
    • Energy security
    • Energy supply
    • Energy workforce
    • Women in energy
    • International activity
    • Energy publications
  • Environment
    Environment Improving stewardship and sustainable management of Australia’s environment.
    • Biodiversity
    • EPBC Act
    • Environment Information Australia
    • Environmental markets
    • International environment
    • Invasive species
    • Land
    • Marine
    • Protection
    • Report a breach of environment law
    • Threatened species & ecological communities
    • Waste and recycling
    • Wildlife trade
  • Water
    Water Improving the sustainable management of Australia’s water supply for industry, the environment and communities.
    • Coal, Coal seam gas (CSG) and water
    • Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
    • National Water Grid
    • Water policy and resources
    • Wetlands
    • Publications
  • Parks and heritage
    Parks and heritage Managing Australia’s iconic national parks, historic places and living landscapes.
    • Australian Marine Parks
    • Australian National Botanic Gardens
    • Booderee National Park
    • Kakadu National Park
    • Christmas Island National Park
    • National parks
    • Norfolk Island National Park
    • Heritage
    • Pulu Keeling National Park
    • The Great Barrier Reef
    • Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
  • Science and research
    Science and research Undertaking research and collecting data to support informed decisions and policies.
    • Climate change
    • Australia's biological resources
    • Australian Biological Resource Study (ABRS)
    • Bird and bat banding
    • Supervising Scientist
  • About us
    About us We lead Australia’s response to climate change and sustainable energy use, and protect our environment, heritage and water.
    • Accountability and reporting
    • Assistance, grants and tenders
    • Contact us
    • Fees and charges
    • News and media
    • Publications
    • Our commitment to you
    • People and jobs
    • What we do
    • Who we are
    • Initiatives
  • Online services
    Online services We do business with you using online platforms. This makes it easier for you to meet your legal requirements.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, Enviroment and Water

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. About us
  3. News and media
  4. A small pause for a big cause
Skip to main content

Back to news - AWE

  • Back to news
Skip to page navigation

A small pause for a big cause

  • News
  • Water
13 October 2026
decorative

Water is one of our most valuable resources, yet many of us don't realise how often we rely on it throughout the day.

Australians are encouraged to switch off their non-essential taps for Water Night from 5pm to 10pm, Thursday 22 October.

On Water Night households are asked to avoid using taps, showers and other running water where possible, and reflect on how often we rely on water in our daily lives.

This year's theme, ‘Tap. Pause. Level Up.’, encourages us to think about the value of water and discover simple ways to use it more wisely every day.

Water is essential to our communities, environment and economy. As one of the world's driest inhabited continents, Australia faces ongoing challenges from:

  • drought, 
  • climate change 
  • growing demand for water.

Supporting initiatives like Water Night reflects the department's commitment to protecting our water resources and helping ensure a secure and sustainable water future for all Australians.

Small changes at home can also make a big difference. The Australian Government's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme helps people compare the water efficiency of products such as taps, showers, toilets, dishwashers and washing machines.

Choosing water-efficient products can help households save water, energy and money.

In 2026, WELS is expected to save 219 gigalitres and $1.6 billion on utility bills across Australia.

Are you ready to Tap. Pause. Level Up and help make every drop count?

Gather your family, friends, colleagues or community and join thousands of Australians on Water Night in taking a simple step to grow a more water-wise future.

To get involved, visit Water Night 2026 | National Water Awareness Challenge.

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Email
  • Copy link

Related

Poatina Buffer Dam, showing water flowing through the outlet structure into the storage reservoir, surrounded by rock-lined embankments and agricultural land.

NMIS delivering for Tasmanian farmers

  • News
  • National Water Grid
14 October 2026
decorative

Murray–Darling Basin AWEP Interim Governance positions open

  • News
  • Water
01 October 2026
decorative

Fourth Independent Review of the WELS scheme begins

  • News
  • Water
28 September 2026
All news
Thanks for your feedback.
Thanks! Your feedback has been submitted.

We aren't able to respond to your individual comments or questions.
To contact us directly phone us or submit an online inquiry

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Please verify that you are not a robot.

Skip
dcceew energy art

Footer

  • Contact us
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • FOI
  • Copyright
Last updated: 13 October 2026
DCCEEW footer 06.02.2024

Connect with us

Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

© Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water