Are you doing enough to save water inside and outside of your home? It may surprise you to know that thousands of litres of water is wasted in residential properties each year. Some of the causes of water waste are more obvious than others, which is why it is important to consider how much water you use.
Inside the Home
Leaking taps are one of main culprits when it comes to wasting water. A typical home will lose up to 20,000 litres of water per year as the result of leaking taps. A slow drip may not look like much in real time but over the long term all that water mounts up. If any of the taps are leaking, including shower heads, hire a plumber to carry out repairs. Another option is to have a water-saving shower head installed.
Most people like to relax in the shower but saving water involves a certain amount of discipline. That means shower time needs to be limited to around four minutes. You can achieve your shower goals quite easily by using a familiar song as a timer. Before you know it, you will have reduced your shower time and saved a significant amount of water in the process!
It can take a few minutes for tap water to run cold enough to drink. To combat water waste, you should keep water refrigerated so that there is no need to leave the tap running. Besides which, there is no competing with a cool drink of water straight from the fridge.
If your toilets are an older design that don’t include a water saving function, you can place a large object in the cistern to reduce water usage however, before you do this, it’s a good idea to seek advice from a licensed professional. Using less water with each flush is an incredibly effective money saver. For a more effective solution, consider upgrading your toilets.
Are you in the habit of running the washing machine or dishwasher on half loads? These appliances are designed to run on full loads. You will save water by waiting until you have a full load of clothes or dishes to wash along with saving energy as well.
Outside the Home
Do you have a water tank? Catching rainwater is a great way to reduce water waste. You can use this water for inside and outside chores. The Australian Government has produced a booklet that is a helpful guide on rainwater tanks and using the water safely.
Think about the plants in your garden and how much water they need. Planting species that require less water is the best strategy. However, it is also important to reduce water usage for the lawn and garden. Don’t keep your lawn short in the summer. When the grass is longer it helps to reduce water evaporation.
Many areas in New South Wales are currently affected by water restrictions. Familiarise yourself with permitted days and times by reaching out to your water supplier for a timetable. These restrictions are designed to help reduce water waste. By sticking to the recommended schedule you will also see savings on your water costs. The water in outside pools and spas can quickly evaporate in summer. When not in use, it is a good idea to cover your pool or spa to save water. Covering the pool or spa will also reduce cleaning and maintenance needs by protecting against dirt and debris.
If you are planning on renovations to improve your home, speak to Houspect in New South Wales about all your building inspection needs.
