How to Save Water (and Money)

Here in Australia, we are fortunate enough to have quick and convenient access to clean water. Which is why we are often guilty of taking this essential resource for granted. Whilst we are the driest continent on earth, we continue to be one of the highest consumers of water per capita in the world.

As our population grows, so does our water use. With changes to rainfall patterns and the effects of global climate change, we need to conserve water now more than ever.

There are many easy ways you can contribute to the preservation of water. Below we explore ways in which you can save one of our planet’s most valuable resources while saving your hard earned along the way.

Switch Your Shower Head

Typically, the shower is the biggest water consumer within the home. One of the easiest ways to save water is by switching to an eco-friendly shower head. Water saving shower heads, flow restrictors and aerators work to restrict excess water flow, meaning you use less water during the time you spend in the shower.

Now, don’t get us wrong, we understand warm showers are a creature comfort and after a long day at work, it can be a tough ask to cut down on shower time or be content with lower water pressure. Fortunately, there are now eco-friendly shower heads in the market which replicate the feel of a high pressure shower, while actually using a lot less water. High-tech, smart bathrooms are becoming more and more popular, with the ability to save on water whilst adding some pretty cool technology to your bathroom too.

Fix Your Leaking Taps

One of the easiest water wasting culprits to remedy is your leaking tap. Did you know a tap leaking at one drip per second wastes more than 12,000 litres of water per year? Leaking taps repairs is a simple job for a plumber and one that should be tended to immediately.

Other ways you can save water through your taps include installing flow regulators, installing mixer taps and choosing taps and basins that adhere to the WELS product rating scheme (we explore this further below).

Use Water Saving Dishwashers

Nowadays, most Australian households use a dishwasher. Contrary to popular belief, a dishwasher can actually be a great way to save water. You just have to ensure you have a water efficient model. Many modern dishwashers don’t require you to rinse the dishes before putting them in the machine as well as featuring modes that adjust water usage to the number of dishes that need to be washed.

If you are wondering which model is most suitable, pay attention to the water rating label. Alternatively, Metropolitan Plumbing offers a dishwasher service and installation which includes providing advice on which model will best suit your needs.

Toilet Considerations

Being conscious of the way you flush your toilet can also go a long way in saving water. Toilet water saving efforts can include using a half-flush button, upgrading your toilet to a more eco-friendly model and fixing toilet leaks immediately. Metropolitan Plumbing can provide toilet installation and upgrade advice to suit your individual requirements.

If you aren’t in the market for a toilet upgrade just yet, not to worry. Why not try filling plastic bottles and placing them in your cistern? By doing this, less water is required to fill the tank and therefore less water is flushed.

Use the WELS Product Rating System

Plumbing products and white goods are regulated under The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. The WELS scheme is a Government initiative designed to get us to choose more water efficient products for our homes. The easiest way for us to identify the best products for water efficiency is the label. This label outlines the star rating, the rate of water consumption and registration and product details.

The Australian Government predicts using water efficient products could save Australians more than $2 billion by 2030. That’s an average saving of $175 ​per household each year.

Metropolitan Plumbing can provide a range of plumbing services to help with your efforts to save water. Contact us today.