Easy Water Saving Tips For Your Home

With drought and water scarcity becoming increasingly common in Australia, reducing water usage has never been more critical. Households can make a difference by implementing small changes to cut water consumption and save on bills. Consider installing a rainwater tank to supplement your water supply, especially outdoors. When washing dishes, use a plug instead of running water, and aim to wash clothes only when you have a full load to maximise efficiency.

These simple actions make a big difference. Adding 1-3 easy habits to your routine can contribute to water conservation and ensure a sustainable future. This guide provides effective, easy-to-apply water-saving tips that will help you do your part in managing Australia’s precious water resources. With a few adjustments, your household can significantly reduce water usage, saving money and protecting the environment simultaneously.

Upgrade to a Water-Efficient Washing Machine

Older washing machines can use up to 150 litres of wash water per load, leading to significant wastage. Upgrading to a water-efficient front or top-loading washing machine can dramatically reduce water consumption while ensuring clothes get adequately cleaned. When shopping, look for machines with a 3-star or higher Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating to maximise water savings.

Turn Off Taps When Brushing Teeth

Leaving a running tap on while brushing teeth wastes substantial water. You can conserve water and prevent unnecessary wastage by simply turning off the tap after initially wetting your toothbrush and only turning it back on when needed for rinsing. This small habit can save several litres each time, adding to a huge impact over weeks and months.

Install Water-Saving Showerheads

Switching to an efficient showerhead is one of the most effective ways to conserve water without compromising quality. Water-saving, low-flow showerheads reduce water flow while still providing good pressure, helping to reduce water consumption by up to 50%. If you haven’t upgraded yet, an efficient showerhead is a simple way to save thousands of litres each year.

Take Shorter Showers

Shorter showers save both water and energy. A simple shower timer to keep showers under five minutes is an easy way to reduce water usage. Spending less time in the shower translates to less water being used, which is critical in combating the growing water scarcity brought on by climate change.

Identify and Repair Leaks

Water leaks, including dripping taps and leaking cisterns, can waste thousands of litres of water if left unchecked. Regular inspections of faucets, pipes, and toilets can help detect leaks early. Fixing leaks promptly is crucial for reducing water wastage and conserving valuable resources. Enlist a plumber to help with issues such as leaking mixer taps or silent toilet leaks, which often go unnoticed.

Related article: How To Fix A Leaking Mixer Tap in 6 Easy Steps

Run Full Loads Only

Always run full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher to maximise water efficiency. Washing partial loads results in unnecessary water use. Ensuring the washing machine or dishwasher is complete before use can significantly affect your household’s water consumption. This minor adjustment leads to less water being used for laundry and dishwashing.

Install Water Tanks

Installing a rainwater tank is an excellent way to collect and store water, especially in climates prone to drought. Water tanks provide an independent water supply for gardening, flushing toilets, and washing cars, reducing reliance on the main supply. This harvested rainwater can also help during climate change-driven dry spells, promoting more sustainable water use at home.

Use Greywater for Gardening

Reusing greywater from showers, sinks, and washing machines for garden irrigation conserves drinking water and is an efficient way to maintain green areas without drawing from the main water supply. Setting up a greywater system that diverts and filters household wastewater directly into your garden can reduce water consumption and is highly beneficial, particularly in drought-prone areas.

Choose Drought-Tolerant Plants

Select drought-tolerant native plants when landscaping your garden to ensure it thrives with minimal watering. Many native Australian plants are adapted to local climates and require less water than exotic species. Group plants with similar water needs together and water them deeply to promote deeper roots, leading to more resilient growth and less frequent watering requirements.

Water Early Morning or Late Afternoon

Watering your garden in the early morning or late afternoon helps reduce evaporation and allows water to reach plant roots effectively. During the midday heat, up to 90% of water can evaporate before reaching plants, making watering at cooler times far more efficient. This practice is beneficial for maintaining healthy plants while conserving precious water resources during hot weather.

Install Pool Covers

A pool cover is essential for reducing water loss through evaporation. Over a season, covering your pool when unused can save thousands of litres of water. Using a pool cover also helps maintain pool cleanliness, reducing the need for frequent water refills. Automatic retracting pool covers provide convenience and make it easier to cover the pool every time.

Reduce Toilet Water Use

Older toilets often use more water per flush than is necessary. Installing a dual flush system allows you to choose a half or full flush, helping to conserve water based on need. Another simple way to reduce water used per flush is to place a weighted bottle in the cistern, which reduces the volume used in each flush. Avoid using the toilet as a waste bin to minimise flushes further and conserve water.

Educate Your Household

Educating everyone in the household about water conservation is vital for long-term success. Encourage family members to adopt habits like turning off running taps, taking shorter showers, and only using full loads when washing clothes. Make reducing water usage a collective effort, ensuring everyone understands the importance of water conservation, especially in light of climate change and growing water scarcity.

Save Water, Save Money, Save Our Future!

Implementing these effective water-saving measures at home helps conserve our precious water resources and protect the environment. Small actions like using a rainwater tank, washing clothes with full loads, and being mindful when washing dishes add significant savings over time. Beyond reducing your environmental footprint, these habits lead to tangible savings reflected in lower water bills. For maximum efficiency, consider installing water-efficient appliances and fixtures—these modern systems can reduce water wastage even further.

A professional plumber, such as The Plumbing Life Saver, can assist with installing water-saving taps, showerheads, and other fixtures, making it easy for your household to be part of the solution. Every drop counts when it comes to managing Australia’s precious water resources. Call us now for a free estimate!

Related article: Average Water Bill in Australia