Priority Actions For Water... Everyday Things You Can Do

• Comply with your local water restrictions.
• Update your water fittings. Install water-saving devices like AAA-rated showerheads, dual flush toilets, tap aerators and flow controllers. A water-efficient showerhead can save around 10 litres of water a minute.
• Think about ongoing water consumption when you’re buying new appliances or equipment. Water efficient dishwashers use half the water of average models. Look for the highest A-rating or star rating for dishwashers, washing machines, toilets, taps and showerheads.
• Check that pipes and taps are in good order. Promptly fix or report and leaks or drips – a leaking tap can waste 200 litres a day.
• Insulate hot water pipes, and, if you’re installing a new system, minimize the distance between the hot water unit and the taps so you don’t waste water while waiting for it to run hot.
• Find out how you can capture and store your rain water, and filter too if necessary. Investigate installation of rainwater tanks, grey water tanks and storm water collection devices

Tips for saving water in the laundry:

• Buy a water efficient washing machine. (Water Wise rebates apply – check www.nrw.qld.gov.au/waterwise/index.php for more details). Top loaders use 170-265 litres a load while a front loader uses 100 litres or less.
• Only wash when you have a full load-you can save up to 10litres a load.
• Think about your laundry habits. If you stop using your washing machine every day you can sort and wash bigger loads more efficiently when you do wash your clothes.
• Cut water consumption by choosing an efficient and/or low water setting.
• Use the suds-saver setting if your machine has this option where you have more than one load to wash-that way you save water and detergent.
• Divert final rinse water from your washing machine to your garden but don’t use on vegetable gardens.
• Consider using biodegradable, eco-friendly liquid washing detergent which is better for the garden.
• Pre-treating heavy stains before washing will reduce the chance that you’ll need to rewash clothes.
• If you are washing clothes by hand use only as much water as you need in the sink, bucket or tub. Reuse this greywater in the garden.
• Engage a plumber to install a greywater system-this will need council approval.
• When buying a new washing machine look for one that is water and energy efficient.

We can drastically reduce water consumption by following a few simple water-saving tips in our bathrooms. Showers and toilets each account for approximately 20% of indoor water consumption.

Tips for saving water in the kitchen:

• Buy a water efficient dishwasher if you can-they can cut average water use by half.
• Completely fill your dishwasher before running it – save up to 1,576 litres a month.
• Use the economy setting on your dishwasher – save up to 4 litres a load.
• When rinsing dishes or washing fruit, use the plug and half fill the sink or basin instead of letting the tap run – you can save 7 litres a minute.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with soapy water and another sink or basin with rinsing water instead of rinsing under a running tap – you can save 7 litres a minute.
• If you need to run the tap for hot water, collect the cold water for reuse.
• Soak your pots and pans to remove foods, rather than scraping them under running water – you can save 7 litres a minute.
• A running tap can use up to 15-20 litres/minute.
• Minimise the use of a garbage disposal unit. They can use up to 30 litres of water a day and send extra rubbish to sewage treatment plants. Rather compost your vegetable scraps and use to enrich your garden.
• Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water.
• Don’t thaw food using running water.
• Save the nutrient rich water from cooking vegetables to water your garden.
• Place unused ice cubes in your pot plants or garden.

We use approximately 10% of indoor water in the kitchen. It takes simple changes of habit to save hundreds of litres of water every day. A lot of water that you use in the kitchen can be saved and reused for gardens or indoor plants.

Water-saving bathroom tips:

• Install a low flow showerhead – it can save your household more than 1,800 litres a week.
• Use a shower timer – cutting your shower times from 7 minutes to 4 minutes can save up to 36 litres.
• Use a bucket to catch water while the shower warms up and while you are showering, and reuse in the garden.
• Turn off the tap while cleaning your teeth, shaving or washing hands – you an save 7 litres a minute.
• Turn off the water while washing and conditioning your hair – you can save up to 180 litres a week.
• Instead of shaving your legs in the shower, fill a container of water and use it to lather up and shave before you shower and rinse your legs.
• Choose a shower over a bath – a 4 minute shower uses only 48 litres compared to a full bath which uses 150 litres.
• If you bath, or if you bath small children, use as little water as possible. Put the plug in before you turn the tap on and fill to les than a third. Reuse the bath water by bucketing on the garden.
• Install a dual flush toilet – you can save up to 6 litres of water per flush.
• Unnecessary flushing is one of the biggest wasters of water – don’t flush needlessly, and never flush tissues and other rubbish down the toilet.
• Think about saving water when you’re away from home, too.
• Replacing a single flush toilet with a 6/3 dual flush can save up to 8 litres per flush.
• Leaking toilets can waste up to 16,000 litres per year.

We use approximately 10% of indoor water in the kitchen. It takes simple changes of habit to save hundreds of litres of water every day. A lot of water that you use in the kitchen can be saved and reused for gardens or indoor plants.

Water-saving garden tips:

• Only water the garden when it really needs it. Minimize evaporation by using mulch and watering in the early mornings when there is no direct sunlight. Choose native plants and grasses that require lass water then exotic species. Group plants with similar watering needs together.
• Plant tress and windbreakers to give shade and reduce evaporation. Reduce lawn areas – or select varieties that require less water. Replace lawns with porous paving, pebbles or drought-tolerant ground covers.
• Wash cars, outdoor furniture or pets on the grass only on non-restricted watering days, and use a bucket rather than the hose. Don’t let wash water enter the storm water system – remember the drain is for the rain.
• Use a broom to sweep and clean outdoor surfaces rather then the hose.