Water conservation is not only vital for the environment but also a great way to reduce your household expenses. Small adjustments to your water usage habits, combined with efficient plumbing systems, can lead to significant savings. Here are some practical tips to help you save water, lower your bills, and make your home more sustainable.
How Can We Save Water?
Fix Leaks Promptly
Leaky taps and running toilets might seem minor, but they can waste hundreds of litres of water each year, driving up your water bill. Addressing these issues quickly is one of the easiest ways to conserve water. If you’re unsure how to repair leaks, you can rely on professionals offering residential plumbing services to handle the job efficiently.
Bathrooms
This is are a major area where water can be conserved. Shortening your shower time can save significant amounts of water—each minute under a standard showerhead uses about 9 litres.
- Installing a WELS 4-star rated showerhead can reduce this to 6–7 litres per minute, providing substantial savings on water and energy costs.
- When brushing your teeth or washing your face, turn off the tap to avoid unnecessary water waste. Use a plug in the sink when rinsing razors, and always use the half-flush option on modern dual-flush toilets whenever possible.
Washing Clothes
In the laundry, always run full loads to maximise efficiency. If you’re considering a new washing machine, opt for a front-loader, as they use about 60 litres of water per load compared to 110 litres for top-loaders.
- Adjust the water level to match the load size and use the economy cycle when available. Pre-treat stains to avoid rewashing, and wear clothes or use towels more than once before washing.
- For handwashing, use minimal detergent to reduce rinsing needs and wash items in batches to save water.
Upgrade to Water-Saving Fixtures
Installing water-efficient fixtures is a smart and effective way to cut down on water use. Options like low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and aerated taps use less water without compromising performance. Look for products with a high-Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating to ensure maximum savings.


Be Mindful of Everyday Water Usage
Adopting mindful habits can significantly impact your water consumption:
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
- Fix dripping taps immediately.
- Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they have full loads.
By making these small adjustments, you’ll use water more efficiently and notice a positive change in your bills.

Harvest Rainwater
Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store water that can be used for non-drinking purposes like watering your garden or washing your car. Installing a rainwater tank is a long-term solution that reduces reliance on mains water, helping you conserve resources and save money.
Optimise Outdoor Water Use
Outdoor areas such as lawns, gardens, and driveways provide numerous opportunities for water conservation. Use a watering can or a hose with a trigger nozzle to target specific areas and prevent overwatering.
Lawn and Plant Care
Watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening reduces evaporation. To create a drought-resistant garden, consult your local nursery about suitable plants for your climate and soil type.
- Pull out weeds promptly to ensure your plants retain the water they need, and group plants with similar water requirements together.
- When watering, focus on the roots rather than the leaves, and add a layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture and reduce evaporation.
- If you require a garden watering system, choose one with efficient settings to avoid overwatering, as sprinklers can use up to 900 litres per hour.
- Leaving grass clippings on the lawn helps return moisture and nutrients to the soil.
Washing your Car
Washing your car, bike, or boat on the lawn with a bucket or a hose equipped with a trigger nozzle can also serve a dual purpose by watering the grass.
- When cleaning driveways, use a broom or rake rather than hosing off debris. If you’re establishing a new lawn, select drought-resistant varieties like buffalo, kikuyu, or couch grass, and avoid mowing too short to encourage deeper roots.
Install a Modern Hot Water System
Traditional hot water systems often wastewater while waiting for it to heat up. Upgrading to an efficient hot water system, such as an instantaneous or solar unit, ensures quicker delivery of hot water and less wastage. This not only saves water but also reduces energy costs. For expert advice on upgrading your hot water system, explore the hot water heater services offered by Green Planet Plumbing.
Encourage Family Involvement
Water conservation works best when everyone in the household gets involved. Educate your family on water-saving habits like shorter showers and using water responsibly. Making it a collective effort ensures your home remains environmentally conscious and financially efficient.
Reducing Costs While Working from Home
With more people working from home, energy costs can increase due to extended use of appliances, lighting, and heating or cooling systems. To help manage these costs, Energy Networks Australia has created a factsheet that breaks down the typical energy expenses of working from home.
Here are some more water-saving tips:
Start Saving Water Today
Water conservation doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips and making small but meaningful changes, you can significantly reduce your water usage and save money on your bills. For help with water-saving solutions or expert plumbing services, contact us today.