Water-saving tips: practice makes perfect
You may think you know all there is to know about saving water, but it doesn’t hurt to refresh your memory from time to time. After all, implementing water-saving practices could reduce your energy bills and save you money. Result.
Standing room only
We all know it’s better to shower rather than bathe when it comes to reducing the amount of water we use. If you can carry out your ablutions during a five-minute shower then you could save money on both your water and energy bills. Having said that, if you prefer to take a leisurely shower, whilst murdering the latest hit, then you could be using as much water as you would filling your bath.
Ways to curb your water usage in the shower include using a water-efficient showerhead with high flow rate mixer showers and power showers. Apparently the clever technology inside these showerheads makes the water flow feel far higher than it actually is. Unfortunately they’re not suitable to use with electric showers, but that does give you the perfect excuse to upgrade your shower.
Bathe like you mean it
Okay, so we know that quick showers are better for saving water, but sometimes nothing beats a good old soak to ease the stresses of the day. The obvious solution is to opt for a reduced-capacity bath the next time you upgrade your tub. However, if you’ve already splashed out on a beautiful contemporary design, appease the guilt by bathing with your significant other.
All tapped out
Is that dripping tap getting on your nerves? Keep meaning to fix it, but keep forgetting? Oh well, you’re only wasting about 5,500 litres of water a year. Why not bite the bullet and change that washer or ask a plumber to do it for you and save yourself some money in the long run?
Are you guilty of leaving the tap running when you clean your teeth? Thought so. Well, you’re wasting more than six litres of water a minute when you do so. Not good. Whether you’re shaving, brushing your teeth or washing your face or hands, you should turn the tap off during this ritual and only turn it back on when you need to. Yes, it will take a bit of getting used to, but you won’t be washing so much money down the drain if you do. Of course you could opt for low-flow rate taps to cut down on your usage instead.
Get label savvy
If you are replacing water-guzzling household appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, look out for the Waterwise Recommended Checkmark to easily identify water-efficient products.
And if you’re happy with your current dishwasher and washing machine, just ensure they’re full before you use them and opt for the most energy-efficient setting possible.