Here are the best ways to cut down on water waste in your home:

1. Fix Leaks – The Hidden Water Wasters

🚰 Did you know a dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 liters of water per year? That’s the equivalent of 66 full bathtubs!

Leaky taps, toilets, and pipes can silently waste water without you noticing. To prevent this:

✔ Regularly check for leaks under sinks and around appliances.

✔ Replace worn-out washers or faulty parts in taps and toilets.

✔ Listen for running toilets—they can waste hundreds of liters a day if left unfixed.

2. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Appliances & Fixtures

Older toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines use significantly more water than modern, eco-friendly models.

🔹 Swap to a dual-flush toilet – Uses up to 50% less water than a traditional flush.

🔹 Install aerated taps & low-flow showerheads – Saves water while maintaining good pressure.

🔹 Upgrade to a water-efficient washing machine & dishwasher – Uses less water per cycle.

💡 Look for the Water Efficiency Label (WELS rating) when buying new appliances—it helps you choose models that use less water!

3. Change Your Daily Habits

Even small adjustments to everyday routines can make a huge difference. Try these simple swaps:

🚿 Take shorter showers – Cutting down by just 2 minutes can save over 4,500 litres per year!

🪥 Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth – Saves 6 litres per minute.

🍽 Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading the dishwasher – Uses less water and energy.

🌱 Water your plants in the early morning or late evening – Reduces evaporation.

4. Collect & Reuse Water Where Possible

Reusing water is an easy way to cut down on waste!

✔ Use a water butt to collect rainwater for watering plants and cleaning.

✔ Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for flushing toilets.

✔ Reuse cooking water (like from pasta or veggies) to hydrate plants—just let it cool first!

5. Be Smart with Lawn & Garden Watering

A well-maintained garden doesn’t have to mean excessive water use.

• Choose drought-resistant plants that require less watering.

• Avoid watering in the midday heat—water evaporates before plants can absorb it.

• Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation instead of sprinklers for targeted watering.

• Mulch your garden—helps soil retain moisture for longer.

6. Use a Water Meter to Track Usage

A water meter helps you monitor your water consumption and identify leaks or excessive use.

Many households save money by installing a meter because they only pay for what they use—encouraging more mindful water consumption.

📌 Tip: Check your meter before and after a two-hour period where no water is used. If the reading changes, you may have a leak.

7. Install a Greywater Recycling System

If you want to go the extra mile, greywater systems allow you to reuse water from sinks, showers, and washing machines for flushing toilets or watering plants.

While an initial investment, these systems can significantly cut down on water waste over time.