Conserving water isn’t just important during times of drought and water shortages. Being responsible about how much water your family consumes is better for the planet year-round, and if caring for the Earth isn’t enough of a reason to conserve water, the savings you’ll enjoy on your monthly bills is sure to be.
Many people don’t realize how much their everyday water consumption adds up. Savewater estimates that most Australians use 200 litres of water per day, and that only 5 to 10 litres of this water is used for drinking and making food. How much of that remaining 190 to 195 liters of water can be saved varies widely from household to household, but by following some simple tips, you can ensure that every drop of water you consume is used wisely.
Roughly 10% of a household’s water consumption occurs in the kitchen, so it’s an excellent place to begin on your mission to conserve water.
- Fix leaky taps. Even a leak that is very slow can waste up to 20,000 liters of water per year. Tap repairs are relatively inexpensive and can more than pay for themselves in terms of savings on your water bills.
- Don’t pre-rinse your dishes. Dishwashers are actually shown to perform better when dishes are added dirty, so save yourself the time and conserve water by skipping the pre-rinse.
- Turn off the tap when you hand-wash dishes. If you’re washing by hand, make sure you only turn the tap on when it’s time to rinse your dishes. Never let the water run while you scrub.
- Adding insulation to your pipes can help your water heat up more quickly and limit the amount of water wasted when you run the taps.
- Start a composting pile, so that you can use your garbage disposal less. The average Australian home uses 6 liters of water per day just to run disposals. Limiting the use of your garbage disposal is also better for your plumbing, as food particles can cause a build-up in the pipes over time.
- Invest in an eco-friendly dishwashe when it comes time to replace your current model. You can use the WELS ratings to compare how much water the various available models consume. Six stars is the best rating that a dishwasher can earn.
- Have your dishwasher hoses inspected annually and replaced when they become worn to prevent water-wasting leaks.
- Add an aerator to your tap. These devices add air to the water leaving the tap, making the droplets smaller and leading to less water consumption every time you turn on the water. In the average house, an aerator can cut water usage at the sink in half.
Sydney Emergency Plumbing is committed to helping families reduce water waste in the kitchen. We can assist you in your efforts to conserve water by fixing leaky taps, replacing dishwasher hoses and installing aerators, eco-friendly taps and insulation for your pipes. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
