The WWF website reports that a new highly efficient method to grow rice could save huge amounts of water while increasing food security, has been found. The method uses 40% less water, increases crop yields by over 30% and substantially reduces the methane emission. Read the full article: Grow more rice with less water.

The Sunday Mail reports that there's been a 300% increase in reported Ross River virus cases, the suspected source being uncovered rainwater tanks and buckets.  With Australia heading into the mozzy season, it's time to ensure that your rainwater collection systems are properly covered.  Read the full report at the Sunday Mail.

The Queensland government had suggest that level 6 water restrictions will soon be in place for South East Queensland. The draft for level 6 water restrictions seems to focus more on businesses than individuals, so there's no real surprises for home users. Here's what this will mean for domestic water use:

• penalties for water use above 200 litres per person in a household
• For such premises reticulated (town) water is not permitted to be used for the filling, partial filling, or topping up of a rainwater tank or rainwater storage facility

you can read more about stage 6 water restrictions on the Qld water commission website.