Water Saving Tips

water drip
Running Taps
  • Running taps use over 2 ½ gallons of water every minute!
  • Dripping taps - one drop per second wastes over 6 ½ gallons per day (that’s all wasted water).
  • Don’t leave taps dripping; replace any faulty washers and ball-valves.
  • Put a bowl in the kitchen sink to collect any run-off water, such as when you are washing vegetables. Use it for your thirsty garden or house plants.
  • Fill a jug with water and keep it in the fridge - this saves running the tap until the water is cold.
  • When cleaning, fill a basin or bucket instead of rinsing cloths under a running tap.
In the Bathroom
  • Flushing the toilet uses 2-3 gallons of water every time!
  • Toilet flushing accounts for one third of the water used in the home. So, if installing a new cistern, look for the models that use less gallons when flushing.
Baths versus Showers
  • A standard shower uses over 9 gallons every 5 minutes.
  • An average depth bath uses over 21 gallons.
Automatic Washing Machine
  • An automatic washing machine uses between 18 and 32 gallons of water each cycle.
  • Avoid wasting water by making sure you have a full load each time you use it or use the special half load setting.
  • If buying a new machine, look for the energy efficient label. This will show you how much water and electricity it uses.
Dishwashers
  • A dishwasher uses over 15 gallons of water each time it is used.
  • Make sure it is only used with a full load.
  • Pre-rinsing the dishes (especially under a running tap) is not always necessary and is very wasteful.
Plumbing
  • Maintain your household plumbing system.
  • Insulate pipes to avoid a winter freeze-up.
  • If you do find a leak, get it repaired as soon as you can.