Save water in the home

The Victorian Government has introduced a new initiative for saving water. Target 155 encourages Melburnians to use no more than 155 litres of water per person per day.

 

For more information on Target 155, see the link below. For water saving ideas, keep reading.

Save water in the bathroom and toilet

Nearly 40% of water in most homes is used in the bathroom and toilet. Save water here for a big impact on your overall water usage.
To significantly reduce water use in the toilet:

• Install a dual flush toilet instead of a single flush - you may even get a rebate. 
• Fix any leaks in the toilet. Add food dye to the toilet cistern - if the water in the bowl is coloured before you flush, you've got a leak.

Baths use more water than showers, so avoid them if you can. Instead of topping up with more water after you reach the right level, check the temperature as you fill the bath.
Showers can still be a real water waster.

• Install water-saving showerheads. Your local water authority may have a program for replacing old showerheads with low-flow ones.
• Take shorter showers. Aim for four minutes and use a timer to keep track.

You can save water even when brushing your teeth or shaving.

• Rinse with a glass of water when brushing your teeth. 
• Fill the basin with warm water to rinse razors.

Save water in the laundry

About 15-20% of household water is used in the laundry. To cut down:

• Buy a washing machine with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and 4 star water rating. 
• Buy a front-loading machine - it's better for your clothes as well as your water and energy bills.
• Only use the washing machine when you have a full load. Otherwise, use half-load or eco functions.

Save water in the kitchen

Around 10% of total household water use happens in the kitchen, and the dishwasher is the highest consumer. But an efficient dishwasher consumes less water than hand washing.

• Buy a dishwasher with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and 3.5 star water rating, preferably a model with half-wash and economy options.
• Run the dishwasher with a full load.
• Reduce the amount of rinsing you do before loading dishes.
• Select more energy and water efficient cycles when heavy duty cleaning isn't required. 
• Show everyone in your house how to use the dishwasher efficiently.
• Compost your waste instead of using an in-sink garbage disposal unit - they use a lot of water.

All around the house

Dripping taps waste water.

• Be sure to turn taps off completely. 
• Fix leaky taps and plumbing.