Per capita domestic water use in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek is amongst Australia's highest. One factor contributing to this high usage the gap between actual usage patterns and householder perceptions of thier usage.
Quantitative data and anecdotal evidence from home water audits in Alice Springs and Tennant Creek indicates that many householders underestimate the volume of water they use, particularly in the garden, and overestimate the proportion of their usage consumed by household appliances and pools.
The effectiveness of using home water audits as a tool to increase understanding and reduce usage is discussed.