Aside from saving money on your water bill, you can reduce your energy bill if you use less hot water. You’ll also help the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.
Seven tips to help you save water
1. Turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth. Leaving the water running while you brush can use up to 5 litres of water.
2. Don’t use your toilet as a rubbish bin. Most toilets use around seven litres per flush and older toilets use around 12 litres per flush, so you’ll save a lot of water by throwing items like cotton makeup pads in the bin instead.
3. Use a bowl of water to scrub vegetables in the kitchen sink. Instead of tipping it out when you're done, use it to help hydrate thirsty plants, especially in warmer months.
4. Try to keep showers to four minutes or less. Get a timer and make a game of it with kids – they’re never too young to start learning about saving our natural resources!
5. Learn what all the buttons on your dishwasher and washing machine do. If you are able to, set your machines to an ‘eco’ cycle. Only use them when you have a full load of clothes or dishes.
6. Use a broom and sweep paths and driveways instead of hosing them down.
7. When washing your car, use a bucket of water. Give it a quick spray with the hose at the end!
Watercare has lots more tips in their Be Waterwise booklet, including modifications you can make to your home to help you save water.
Free water use audit
If you think you are using more water than you should, Watercare can help with their free water audit service.
All you need to do is spend around 30 minutes on the phone explaining how your family uses water. You will then receive a personalised report outlining the best ways for your household to save water.
Over the following 12 months Watercare’s partners, the EcoMatters Environment Trust, will track your water consumption and update you on your progress.
Phone 09 442 2222 or email info@water.co.nz to sign up.
Watercare is an council-controlled organisation wholly owned by Auckland Council.