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Water saving tips

You might feel that your individual water saving efforts don’t make a huge difference. But, on average, a person living in the Lower Hunter uses around 171 litres of water each day. 

If 650,000 people across the Lower Hunter make a commitment to saving one bucket of water per day, that’s over 6.5 million litres of water saved daily.  

Bathrooms
  • Aim for 4 minutes in the shower
  • Put a bucket in your shower to catch water
  • Use a half flush on the toilet
  • Fix leaking taps, toilets and showers
  • Install water efficient appliances and fixings where possible
  • Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth
  • Fill the bath to your belly button?
  • Keep ‘everything showers’ to a minimum
  • Stick to the 3Ps – pee, poo and toilet paper. Anything else? Bin it. 
Kitchen
  • Pack the dishwasher efficiently and only run when it’s full
  • Use the ‘eco’ or short wash cycle for your dishwasher
  • Catch water in a jug or container while it’s warming up
  • Fix leaking taps when you notice them
  • Scrape plates rather than rising them
  • Turn off the tap when not using it
  • Install a tap aerator to reduce flow while keeping pressure
  • When replacing appliances, look at the water efficiency (WELS) rating
  • Use leftover drinking water from cups and drink bottles to water plants
  • Empty the dog’s water bowl on to the garden 
Laundry
  • Wash full loads only to maximum each cycle
  • Switch to an ‘eco’ or cold setting (a win for your energy usage as well)
  • Where permitted, reuse greywater to water the garden
  • Wash your clothes less regularly
  • Choose water efficient appliances where possible 
Outdoors and in the garden
  • Water before 10am or after 4pm to avoid evaporation
  • Use a trigger nozzle on your hose
  • Use a broom instead of a hose or pressure washer to clean paths and driveways
  • Mulch your garden regularly to improve water absorption and retention
  • Choose drought tolerant and native plants where possible
  • Put a pool cover on to reduce evaporation
  • Check your rainwater tank is in working condition 

More ways to save water

Finding and fixing leaks

A hidden leak on your property can waste lots of water without you knowing. Checking your water meter is an easy way to see if you have a hidden leak. Learn how to check for leaks.

Maintaining your rainwater tank

Rainwater tanks are a great way to improve your home's resilience. But if your rainwater tank isn't working, your toilet and laundry might be using mains water. Learn how to maintain your rainwater tank.

Notice a spike in your water usage?

There might be a reason why your usage has increased, such as: 

  • House guests
  • Filling up a new pool or spa
  • New or increased lawn/garden watering
  • Leaks (dripping taps or running toilets) 

If you need help with your water bill, our friendly team is here to help you. Get in touch to chat about support options.