Evaporative air conditioners
If using evaporative air conditioning one way to save water is to collect water bled from the air conditioner by putting a container under the dump pipe and emptying it onto your pot plants.
Note that this water is higher in total dissolved salts than tap water due to the evaporative process of the air conditioner. Reusing this water also requires some vigilance so that water is not left standing as this could allow mosquitos to breed.
Fix leaks in your home
Did you know that 4% of water consumed in the average Perth residence is the result of leaks. This is a significant figure given that this water is not being used for any useful purpose.
An easy way to check for leaks is to read your water meter before going to bed, avoid using taps or the toilet overnight and read the meter again in the morning. If there is a change in the reading you may have one or more leaks.
Small leaks take longer to show so it is good to wait this length of time in order to pick them up. If you suspect a large leak, you need only wait a couple of hours before checking the meter again. If a leak is detected first check all taps and fittings, and try the toilet food colouring leak test described above.
Change all washers and seals you can manage yourself and if you are still experiencing a leak contact a plumber.
Visit the Water Corporation website for more tips on detecting leaks.
Pools and Spas
Though pool and spa water use seems small at only 2% of household water use, installing a pool blanket (pool cover) to prevent evaporation can save a staggering 50,000L of water a year, amounting to thirteen buckets a day.
The pool blanket should cover the pool whenever it is not in use. As well as conserving water a pool cover can help reduce your pool’s chemical consumption (as this evaporates along with the water), reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and falling leaves out of the pool and can also make your pool warmer to swim in.
Dishwashers
Dishwasher use makes up 1% of the average household use, and the WELS rating system mentioned also applies to dishwashers.
If you are buying a new dishwasher, choose a highly rated model. Also save water by waiting until your dishwasher is full before turning it on to maximise the benefit from the water used. To save a significant amount of energy, turn off the drying cycle and open the door to let your dishes air dry naturally.
Bathroom & Laundry
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme rates products and appliances by their water efficiency, with up to six stars for the most efficient products. Old fashioned showerheads can use up to 12L of water per minute. A 3-star rated showerhead only uses 9 litres per minute, which can save 20 to 30L of water per person per day.
To measure the amount of water your showerhead uses, turn it on and direct water into a bucket for one minute, and note the amount of litres of water in the bucket. This is your showerhead’s water usage in litres per minute.
Other waterwise appliances, such as flow regulators or aerators on your taps and single lever mixer taps, are also available to help save water.
Visit the Water Corporation website for more information on planning a waterwise home.
Did you know:
- Taking an 8-minute shower every day with a conventional showerhead (12 L per minute) uses approximately 35,000 L of water per year.
- Taking a 4-minute shower every day under a 3-star rated showerhead (9L per minute) uses less than 15,000L per year, saving over 20,000L of water per year.
A shower timer can get you in the habit of taking 4-minute showers. These are inexpensive and readily available to buy online at hardware stores, ecoshops and Waterwise Specialist shops.
One easy option for this is bucketing by collecting water in a bucket while you are waiting for the shower water to warm up and/or during your shower, and then pouring the water on the garden when you are finished.
Make sure to use a bucket which is of a manageable size.
The WELS Scheme requires new toilets be registered and labelled with an efficiency rating score out of six, with six being the most efficient.
Installing a water-efficient toilet to replace a single flush toilet could save your household around 30,000L of water per year.