Saving Water

Click through the topics below to learn more about your water:

Water is a precious resource and we all play an important role in conserving it. Saving water is good for the environment and will also save you money.

Save water indoors 

Here's our top tips for saving water inside the home or workplace. 

In the Bathroom:

The bathroom uses up to 40% of household water use.

  • Regularly check for leaks and consider installing water-saving devices on taps and showers. 
  • Shorten your shower time – using a shower timer can help. 
  • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. 
  • Collect shower water in a bucket and use it in your garden or washing machine (see below for safety tips on greywater use). 

In the Toilet: 

Toilet flushing uses up to 25% of bathroom water. 

  • Check for leaks regularly. 
  • Use the the 'half' flush.
  • Upgrade to a dual-flush toilet system to save water. 

In the Laundry: 

The laundry consumes 15-20% of household water. 

  • Inspect for leaks and install water-saving tap devices. 
  • Only run your washing machine with full loads to maximise efficiency. 
  • Reuse washing machine water for other purposes (see below for greywater safety guidelines). 
  • Opt for water-efficient appliances when possible. 

In the Kitchen: 

The kitchen typically accounts for 10% of household water use. 

  • Regularly check for leaks and add water-saving devices to your taps. 
  • Run your dishwasher only when it’s full. 
  • Capture water in a container while waiting for the tap to warm up (avoid reusing water with food particles – refer to greywater safety advice below). 
  • Choose water-efficient kitchen appliances to reduce usage. 

Greywater safety:

Always follow recommended guidelines for the safe use of greywater in gardens or other applications to ensure hygiene and environmental protection. 

Save water outdoors 

Watering Your Garden:

  • Water your garden during cooler times of the day to allow for better absorption and reduce evaporation. 
  • Attach water cut-off triggers or control nozzles to your hoses.
  • Opt for watering cans or buckets instead of using a hose for smaller tasks. 

Cleaning Vehicles and Boats: 

  • Wash your car or boat on grass to water your lawn at the same time. 
  • Use hoses equipped with water cut-off triggers or control nozzles to minimise waste. 

Swimming Pools and Spas: 

  • Set a timer or alarm when filling your pool or spa to avoid overflows and wasted water. 

Cleaning Driveways, Paths, and Courtyards: 

  • Sweep, vacuum, or use air blowers to clear loose debris rather than relying on a hose. 
  • If water is needed, use an approved nozzle with a flow rate of less than 9 liters per minute or a high-pressure cleaner fitted with a water cut-off trigger. 
  • For commercial or industrial sites, or during construction, use recycled water for dust suppression whenever possible. 

For more water saving tips visit rous.nsw.gov.au

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