If you are looking to save water at home and cut some costs, this blog provides some simple tips to help reduce the cost of living and help save water at home. Have you noticed the cost of living increasing in Australia? Whether it’s good or bad, one thing is certain: fuel prices are skyrocketing, electricity is expected to increase by 20-25% in 2023, and groceries have gone up by 10% compared to the previous year. Inflation affects every aspect of our lives, making it crucial to make smart choices to combat rising prices. By optimising our buying behaviour, we can reduce our bills and improve our quality of life. Simple choices, such as minimising possessions, buying second-hand items, and embracing thriftiness, allow us to build savings for what truly matters.

While many factors are beyond our control, as homeowners, we can make better choices to reduce electricity, grocery, and water bills. Water is an essential resource that often goes underestimated. In this blog post, we’ll examine water consumption in various areas of our homes and hopefully inspire us to implement simple actions in our daily activities to lower water bills.

 

KITCHEN

Handwashing dishes typically requires 15 to 18 litres of water, while dishwashers use around 15 litres for a fast cycle and 20 litres for a normal cycle. Running water to clean vegetables and wash hands consumes 4-8 litres per minute. To avoid wasting water in the kitchen, follow these tips:

• Close the faucet when washing vegetables and fruits.
• Use the automatic dishwasher for full loads only.
• If handwashing, avoid leaving the water running for rinsing.
• Check all taps & pipes leaks.

 

BATHROOM

Brushing teeth – If you’re someone who turns on the water, rinses the toothbrush, applies toothpaste, brushes, rinses the brush, brushes again, spits multiple times, and finally rinses your mouth, you could be spending 2-3 minutes, using approximately 19 litres of water. Multiply this by the frequency of brushing per day, month, and so on. To reduce water waste while brushing teeth:

• Turn off the tap while applying toothpaste.
• Use a faucet aerator to reduce water flow.
• Use a cup to brush your teeth, experimenting with different water amounts.
• Lower the bathroom sink water pressure.
• Avoid using warm water, as it wastes significant water until it reaches the desired temperature.

Shaving – Face shaving can consume up to 1 gallon (3,785 litres) of water, and if 20 million people shave their faces three days a week, it adds up to 60 million litres. Annually, this amounts to 3.1 billion gallons. To save water while shaving:

• Consider using water-efficient shavers.
• Turn off the water while shaving, using it only for rinsing.
• Reduce the frequency of shaving whenever possible.

Showering – On average, a 7-minute shower uses 55 litres of water. In warm climates, multiple showers per day further contribute to water waste. To reduce water usage:

• Keep showers as short as possible.
• A 3-minute shower can cut water usage by 50%.

Image: Shower Head

Toilet – Over the years, we have made progress in reducing toilet water usage. From 11 litres per flush, we now have dual-flush systems that use as little as 4.5/3 litres, resulting in saving nearly 25,000 litres per person per year since 1982. To save water with toilet flushing:

• Choose dual-flush toilet systems and use them correctly.
• Install water displacement devices in the cistern.
• Ensure the flapper valve is in good condition.
• Adjust the water level.
• Replace the filler valve if necessary.
• Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.

 

LAUNDRY

A single load of washing can use up to 76 litres of water. If each household does 2 loads per week, it adds up to nearly 8,000 litres of water annually. To save water in the laundry:

• Reuse clothes when possible.
• Use less hot water.
• Run full loads.
• Use appropriate cycle sizes.
• Skip the extra rinse.
• Choose efficient washing machines.

 

GARDENING

Gardening and cleaning external areas can significantly contribute to water consumption. Here are some water-saving tips:

• Water plants early in the morning or evening when temperatures are milder.
• Water gardens deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root absorption.
• Install irrigation systems controlled by watering tap timers.
• Apply mulch around trees and plants.
• Select drought-resistant trees and plants.
• Clean driveways, sidewalks, and steps with a broom instead of a hose.
• Avoid running the hose continuously while washing your vehicle.

 

Image: Irrigation System Running Off A Rainwater Tank

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your water bill. Did you know that Bushmans, with over three decades of experience, has a mission to Save Australia’s Water? Our range of polyethylene rainwater tanks, ranging from 660L to 46,400L, offers efficient water storage solutions for households, commercial, and industrial buildings. If you need a small tank for the garden or residential applications, Bushmans offers water tanks for sale online up to 5000 litres. This means you can buy one of Australia’s best water tanks online today. Need a larger amount of water storage for a hobby farm or broad-acre farm? Aqualine steel tanks by Bushmans range from 20,000 litres to 360,000 litres.

If you are asking “What size water tank do I need?” then have a read of our blog which helps break down how to determine the best size water tank for your situation.

By connecting your rainwater tanks to laundry, toilet, and gardening areas, you can utilise pure rainwater for daily activities. To learn more about Bushmans products and get a customised quote, visit the Bushmans contact page (https://www.bushmantanks.com.au/contact-us/) or call 1800 287 462 during business hours, Monday to Friday.