In the home

There are many simple little things we can all do around the home to save water and help the environment.

Take a look through the tips below for some clever, yet simple, savings ideas.

Begin with these simple tips:

  • Reduce water wastage by periodically checking for leaks in taps, pipes and dishwasher hoses. Remember, one leaking tap can waste more than 2,000 litres a month.
  • Turn taps off lightly and replace washers as soon as they begin to leak. 
  • Install water efficient taps or tap aerators. This is an inexpensive way to cut your water usage. 
  • Use phosphate-free, eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products.

In the bathroom:

  • Install a dual flush toilet. 
  • Put the plug in the sink when washing your hands instead of holding them under running water. 
  • Install one of the latest 3 star WELS rating showerheads and have a great shower while saving around 10 litres of water a minute. You'll use less hot water and save on energy costs too.  
  • Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth and use. Wet your toothbrush before you begin and use a glass of water to rinse your mouth. 
  • Rinsing your razor under a running tap wastes lots of water. To rinse your razor, run a little water into a plugged sink.

In the kitchen: 

  • Cook vegetables in the microwave, steam them or use a pressure cooker. Using tight lids on pots and simmering instead of boiling rapidly also uses less water. 
  • Use a dishwasher with at least a 3 star WELS rating can reduce your water consumption by up to half per load and still get the kind of sparkling clean dishes you're used to. 
  • Thaw frozen foods before you need them or use the microwave instead of placing them under running water.
  • Wait until you have a full load in your dishwasher before using it. This saves water and energy, and reduces the amount of detergent entering the sewerage system.
  • Keep a container of water in the fridge so that you won't need to run the water down the sink until it's cool enough to drink.
  • Wash fruit and vegies in a half-filled sink instead of under running water.
  • Rinse your dishes in a plugged sink rather than under a running tap.

In the laundry:

  • Remember to regularly clean the lint filter on your washing machine. Lint build up reduces the effectiveness of your machine meaning you will need to wash more often.
  • If your washing machine has a load adjustment button or dial, set this to match the amount of washing you're doing. If your machine doesn't have a load adjustment function, wait until you have enough washing for a full load.
  • Consider purchasing a water efficient front loading washing machine.

Useful links

To view other links for water saving in the home, click here

For more water saving tips, take a look at the Federal government's top 10 tips! For more details, click here

Waterwise calculator

This Calculator asks you for some information about your household and uses this to generate an estimation of your average daily water use and compares this against a Waterwise home.

Click here for more information.