Simple ways to Conserve Water around the Home

There are many simple ways to limit your water usage around the home and garden.  Here are a few tips to help you conserve water and keep your water usage bill down:

In the Yard & Garden

• Wash your car or boat on the lawn and water the grass at the same time.
• Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower to clean paths and driveways.
• When watering the garden use a trigger nozzle hand held hose and only water were required.
• Water your garden in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid water evaporation.
• When planting choose plants species that require less water.
• Mulching the garden is a great way to reduce evaporation and water run-off.
• Install a rainwater tank for garden use, check for rebates offered by Council.
• Some hot water systems, solar panels and air conditioning units have pressure relief valves and overflow outlets which release water. Diverted this water on to gardens or lawns

 

In the Kitchen

• When using a dishwasher only wash full loads, and use the shortest cycle possible.
• Wash fruit & veg in a small amount of water in the sink rather than let the tap run.
• Repurpose used water on the garden.

 

In the Bathroom

• Upgrade old toilets and install dual flush cisterns.
• When shaving, partially fill the sink and use that water rather than running the tap continuously use short bursts of water to clean razors.
• Don’t leave taps running when brushing your teeth or shaving.

 

In the Laundry

• Wash only full loads in your washing machine using the shortest cycle possible
• Adjustable the water-level on your washer to use only as much water as is really necessary.
• If you have a septic system, spread out your washing to avoid heavy-use days that could overload the system and use environmentally friendly products.

 

As well as conserving water it is also a good idea to check for leaks regularly.   You can do this by reading your water meter before you go out, then taking another reading when you get home. If the meter has ticked over you may have a leak.

Another means to help reduce water usage throughout the house is by installing water saving flow restrictors or aerators on your household taps as well as installing water saving shower heads and timers.  These devices can all be purchased at hardware stores such as Bunnings.