Wonder Where The Water You Use Goes To In Your House? How To Cut It Down In Size?

In winter, three-quarters of the water you use at home is in just three areas: the shower, the washing machine and the toilet. So guess what's the simplest way to save water? Right! Focus on these areas.

Here are five simple tips that could make a big difference:

1. Take a "power shower"

Showers can account for over a third of houshold water use in winter. Every minute less in the shower can save a buchet of water. And it'll cut down your power bill.

2. Use your (shower) head

If the flow in your shower is more than 10 litres a minute, consider a water efficient showerhead (around $ 100 at your local hardware store). If you shower for five minutes, you'll save about 15c a shower in water/wastewater charges and about 18c in power*. That's about $ 120 per person each year! To measure your shower flow, hold a 10 litre bucket under the shower for a minute.

3. Go all the way in the laundry

Full loads of washing use less water and less power. Can't wait for a full load? Then be sure to select the right water level for your load!

34%: Shower

23%: Washing Machine
18%: Toilet
16%: Tap (washing dishes, drinking water etc)
  6%: Garden Tap / washing car etc
  2%: Bath
  1%: Dishwasher

This is the winter usage for a typical Auckland household. Notice how three-quarters of the water is used in just 3 places! if you have a swimming pool, a large garden or prefer baths to showers, the figures for your household may be different.

Now you know where you use water in your house, do you want to harvest your rain water using specialist products from Marley, and then store your rain water in a water tank made by Warkworth Tanks? If so, click on the respective links to learn more!

4. Use half measures in the loo / toilet

Using the half flush button saves up to five litres of water per flush.

5. Shop with the stars

If you're replacing an old washing machine, toilet or shower, choose appliances with a water efficiency rating of 4 stars of more. They'll save you a lot of money in the long term.

*BRANZ Household Energy End-use Project report (2003).
Saving recalculated at current Metrowater / Mercury Energy pricing.

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