Save water in the kitchen and laundry

Dishwasher

Only run a dishwasher with a full load. Don't rinse dishes before loading, instead use the rinse and hold settings.
Normal cycle = typically between 10 - 30 litres.

Kitchen taps

Install inexpensive flow control valves on aerator taps. Can reduce water flow by up to 50%.

Rinsing

Don't rinse vegetable or dishes under a running tap. Instead use a bowl or a half full sink of water.
A running tap = 15 - 20 litres a minute
1/2 full sink = approximately 12 litres

Cold water

Avoid running the tap until colder water comes through. Instead keep a bottle of cold water handy.
Running tap = 15 - 20 litres a minute.

Washing machine

Only run full loads of washing to conserve water.
Depending on the model, a top loader can use up to 150 litres per load.

New washing machines

Choose a water efficient model. Front loading models are more efficient than top loading machines.
A front loading washing machine = 100 litres per load.

Save water in the bathroom

Showering

Take short showers. Soap up, wash down, rinse off. A bath uses less water than a long shower and you save on hot water costs at the same time.
A shower = 15-20 litres per minute.

Showerheads

Most older style shower heads use a lot of water. Install a water saving showerhead which can result in savings of up to 50%.
Old showerheads = 20 litres a minute.
Three-star water saving showerheads = 9 litres a minute.

Brushing teeth

Don't leave the tap running while brushing your teeth. Use a glass of water to rinse.
Running the basin tap = About 16 litres a minute.

Shaving

While having a shave don't leave the tap running instead use the plug and half fill the sink to rinse.
A running basin tap = About 16 litres a minute.

Toilet

Install a dual flush system and always use the half flush. Alternatively purchase and install a flow restrictor from the hardware store so that your system only uses half the amount of water.
Full toilet flush = 9 litres of water for every full flush
Half flush toilet = 4.5 litres of water for every flush

Newer models use 4.5 litres for a full flush, and 3 litres for a half flush.

Leaking toilet

Repair a continuously leaking or trickling toilet.
This hidden water uses up to 16,000 litres a year.

For more information on water conservation tips on saving water in the house email us or visit the savewater website.