Water Conservation
How to Save Water
Water conservation starts at home, where our daily use of tapware, showerheads, dishwashers and toilets all add up to some unsightly numbers. Fortunately, you can dramatically reduce your water usage through helpful tips you can use throughout your home.
- Replace older, less efficient toilets with 4.5/3L Dual Flush toilets
- Swap out your showerhead with a WELS 3 Star rated water-conserving showerhead and you can save more than 29,000 litres of water per year.
- Fix leaky taps and install tapware with water-saving aerators to effortlessly save hundreds of litres of water per year.
- Use the appropriate water level and load size on the washing machine when doing laundry. Consider purchasing a front-load washing machine.
- Use a broom rather than a hose to clean off driveways, steps and sidewalks.
- Water your garden during the coolest part of the day, generally in the morning, and avoid watering on windy days.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving to keep excess water from going down the drain.
- Landscape with native or low-water plants to significantly reduce water usage outside the home.
- Use leftover water for houseplants, instead of pouring out a half-empty glass of drinking water.
- Make sure the dishwasher is fully loaded to maximise the dishes cleaned in a cycle.
In the Bathroom
The bathroom accounts for most of our indoor water consumption. Toilets, showers and taps often steal away more water then we need but you can still maintain optimal cleanliness with powerful fixture performance.
Even though 70% of the earth's surface is covered by water, less than 1% is suitable for consumption. With the earth's population continuing to rise, it is critical that we get smarter about how we use our supply of potable water. The good news is that we all can make a difference just by making a few small changes to our daily habits.
When it comes to saving water in the Bathroom, a few small steps can make a big difference. Consider these tips for reducing your water consumption every day:
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, and rinse out the sink when you're finished.
- Capture shower/bath water while waiting for water to change temperatures: this excess water can be used for watering plants.
- Don't wait for the water to get hot before filling the tub for a bath. Put in the plug and adjust the water temperature as the tub fills.
- Do not use the toilet as a garbage can: Only flush the toilet when disposing of sanitary waste.
- Turn off the water while shaving: Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor.
In The Kitchen
With about 70% of the Earth covered in water, it's easy to assume that we'll never run out. People living in areas where water is scarce, however, already understand the importance of conserving this precious resource. The good news is that we can all make a difference just by making a few small changes to our daily habits.
When it comes to saving water in the Kitchen, a few small steps can make a big difference.
Consider these tips for reducing your water consumption every day:
- Capture running water while waiting for the temperature to change: this excess water can be used to water plants.
- When washing dishes by hand, use as little water as possible.
- Use only the required amount of dish soap and put the dishes in a rack to rinse them all together and reduce rinse water.
- Be sure to use short bursts instead of letting the water run when rinsing.
- When you use the dishwasher, use appropriate water and energy efficient settings.
- Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator.
- With cold drinking water on hand, you'll waste less then you would while waiting for the tap to change temperature for each glass of water.
- When cooking, use only the amount of water required; this reduces the amount of water wasted when straining.
- In the laundry room, be sure to match the water level with your load size.
- If your washing machine doesn't allow manual water level adjustment, wait until you have a full load before you run your machine.
Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme
The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is designed to provide information to consumers buying products that use water. All WELS products must carry a WELS label showing the water consumption exhibited as a Star Rating (The more stars the more water efficient the product). The information is displayed on a label to help consumers choose products that use less water but still provide a satisfactory level of quality and performance. The label is generally found on the product or price ticket.
For plumbing purposes, WELS products are taps (excluding Bath taps and spouts), showers, toilets and urinals.
Why is Water Efficiency important?
It's important not to waste water, particularly in parts of the country that experience periodic water shortages. Conserving water can reduce your water charges if you live in an area that uses water meters, and choosing a product that uses less heated water will help to reduce your energy bills. Reducing water demand also lowers costs to the community for water treatment and pumping. In other words, using water more efficiently has both economic and environmental benefits.
There are many factors that influence your decision when buying a new product such as cost, colour, brand, style, performance, reputation, recommendations and past experience. Saving water and saving on your water bills can be a deciding factor in determining the type of product you buy.
If you're about to buy a water-using product find out first how WELS water efficiency ratings can save you money and help the environment. It's simple - the more stars on the WELS label, the more water efficient the product is.