Guide to reducing water consumption at home
There are many reasons why everyone should reduce their water consumption. From saving money on energy bills, protecting the environment and saving water, trying to reduce your water usage can only be a good thing.
What you may not realise is that having a higher water bill leads to a higher electricity bill. To pump the water around your home, more electricity will be used. So, by reducing your water bill, you may also see a difference in your electricity bill.
New vs. old toilets
Toilets account for around 30% of water use in the average household and are flushed an average of 5 times per day. Older toilets are typically less efficient than newer toilets. Some of the older model toilets use 13 litres of water per flush. Newer models can use a fraction of that, meaning less water is used in a day.
By upgrading your toilet, you will see a drop in your water usage, which will save you money in the long run.
Cut shower duration
There is nothing better than a long, hot shower after a long day, but showers are the appliance that uses the most amount of water in our homes. Baths are, of course, more wasteful than showers so try to have a bath as infrequently as possible.
Try to keep your shower duration as short as possible – around 4 minutes. If you have kids who find it hard to keep track of time, you can get shower timers to help them visualise the time passing. You could also change your shower for a more efficient, water-saving unit.
Water usage habits
Aside from toilets and showers, many people have habits that are wasting water. For example, turning the tap off when you are cleaning your teeth can save water daily.
Another example is rinsing plates and cups before using the dishwasher. Although it does get rid of any debris, it is largely unnecessary. Most dishwashing tablets can handle tougher stains, so cut out rinsing to save even more water.
Preventing and fixing leaks
You should get into the habit of checking for leaks along your plumbing system. By checking regularly you can get them fixed quickly, reduce the amount of water wasted and reduce your water bill. A small drip from your tap can waste litres of water over time, which will add up to a large amount of money wasted too.
A serious leak has a number of telltale signs, including a drop in water pressure, a high meter reading and damp patches on the ground. If you notice any of these things, contact your water supplier immediately to arrange an inspection and repair.