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Saving water at home

Tips to save water (and reduce your water bill) around the house.

Photo of a woman brushing her teeth.

Flow rate and water leaks around the house

Two key factors contribute to wasting water around the home ̶ your home’s water-flow rate and undetected leaks. So, addressing these issues is the first step on your journey to a water-efficient home.


What’s flow rate?

Flow rate is the amount of water that flows from all your home’s taps, measured in litres per minute. It differs from water pressure, which is the amount of force that moves water through your pipes and taps. Water pressure is determined by your hot water cylinder, either on mains (equal) or low (unequal) water pressure.

Measuring your home’s flow rate is easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

Watch this how-to-video from EcoMatters Environment Trust to learn more.

Calculate your household's water footprint

Find out what your water footprint is and in which areas of your home you use the most water.

How to save water around your home

By simply thinking about water while using it around your home, you’ll naturally become more efficient with it and play a huge role in protecting our environment and this precious resource.

Saving water in the kitchen

Our everyday kitchen tasks use a lot of water, so adjusting a few habits can go a long way towards conserving water.

Don’t leave taps running while using the sink
Stop rinsing dishes before placing in the dishwasher
Reduce water flow in the kitchen tap with a tap aerator
Upgrade to an energy-efficient dishwasher
Be a water-wise cook
Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge
Ditch the InSinkErator and try composting

A leaking toilet wastes around 80L of water a day

Do this simple test to find out if you have a leak

Saving water in the bathroom

The bathroom is by far the biggest contributor to household water use.

Reduce your shower time
Use a low-flow showerhead
Turn off your bathroom tap while brushing teeth or shaving
Does your toilet leak?
Get a water-efficient, dual-flush toilet
You can still conserve water with a single-flush toilet

Saving water in the laundry

Up to one quarter of your household’s water is used in the laundry.

Switch from a top-loader washing machine to a front-loader
Change to water-efficient settings on your washing machine
Wash full loads
Use a bucket and recycle water when washing clothes by hand
Don’t over-wash your clothes
Man hanging washing on a washing line.

Waterflow tips

Install flow restrictors

If you discover your home’s water flow rate is too high, you can install flow restrictors on taps and showers. These are widely available through plumbing and hardware stores. Before buying a water flow restrictor, we recommend chatting to a plumber to ensure its compatible with your hot water cylinder. 

Hack your shower, saving water and power with EcoMatters Environment Trust.

Check for leaks

Dripping taps, dripping showerheads, and leaky toilets all contribute to water being wasted in the home.

Check the dial on your water meter. If it’s turning when no water’s being used, you may have a water leak. You can detect small leaks with a simple overnight test. Read your meter at night before bed, then again first thing in the morning. If the meter number is higher in the morning, you likely have a leak. Here’s how to work out where it is:

Checklist:

  • Check all taps, inside and outside the home.
  • Look behind the dishwasher for any signs of water.
  • In dry weather, look for damp patches in the garden, lawn, or driveway.
  • Listen for running water inside your home when no taps, hoses, or showers are turned on.
  • If you discover the source of a leak, get in touch with a registered plumber.