It’s now more important than ever to be water-wise and save every drop. Clean water is in very short supply all over the world. In fact, some economists project that the next world war will be fought over fresh water.

Saving water may not be your main concern but following these simple tips will help you save water and save you money on your water bill. The commercial plumbers Melbourne has recommend the following ways to save water and in turn you’ll do your part to help the planet.

Turn Off the Tap

One of the biggest wastes of water is from people not turning off the taps while they are busy doing something else. A great example of this is leaving the tap running while you brush your teeth! Instead, use a glass of water to rinse your mouth once you’re finished brushing.

When washing the dishes, don’t let the cold water run down the drain while you’re waiting for it to heat up. Instead, catch this water and use it to water your plants.

Make sure your taps don’t leak. Even a slow drip can waste litres of water. The same goes for a leaky toilet.

Don’t Waste a Drop

Bathwater can be used to flush the toilet or to water the garden. Dirty dishwater can also be repurposed to flush the loo and shouldn’t be let down the drain.

The water you use to wash fresh produce or cook your pasta with can be used for the garden and will provide extra nutrients to your plants.

Rinse Responsibly

When washing your dishes make sure you use one basin for washing and the other one for rinsing your dishes. When you use running water to rinse each dish separately you waste lots of water. If you don’t have a dual sink, use a large dish to rinse your dishes. That water can then be used again.

Use the Dishwasher Wisely

It’s no secret that washing dishes in a dishwasher uses a lot of water. That’s why it’s important to use it responsibly. Only run the washing machine once you have a full load of dishes.

Save in the Shower

Relaxing in a nice hot shower at the end of the day is bliss, but it comes with a very high water cost. Instead, keep your showers as short as possible. Five minutes is more than enough time for any of your family members to get clean.

For extra savings, replace your current showerhead with a water-smart version which uses 2 litres of water less per minute than your average type.

Also get creative! If you have small kids, let them shower together or hop in with your partner to be water-wise.

Hold Up on Using the Hosepipe

Watering your garden with a hosepipe or sprinkler system is a huge waste of good, clean drinking water. Use greywater (water from cooking or doing dishes) to water the garden by hand. Never throw water don’t the drain that can be used for another purpose.

Reuse Rainwater

Every home should have a container to capture rainwater when it rains. If you catch this water, you can use it in the garden or even to wash your car. The more water you catch the more water you save from an already overextended system.

Save Water when Washing Laundry

Always wait for a full load before you switch on the washing machine. Run the washer on the economy cycle and if possible, save the water the washer releases for other uses. There are many water-smart washing machines available too.

A Helping Hand for Your Toilet

Another toilet hack is to give your loo a helping hand. Simply fill two plastic, 2L bottles with a combination of small stones and sand. Then secure the lids and place them into the top of your toilet tank. This process will help you save up to two litres of water per flush.

Try not to flush the toilet each time you go. Use the “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown flush it down” guideline.

Install Flushing Options

Most modern toilets come with a dual flushing option. One button using less water to flush down urine, or a stronger blast of water to get rid of faeces. This will save a lot of water and works well in an office or bigger household that can’t afford to not flush after each use or for commercial plumbing.

Pay Attention to Your Water Meter

Pay close attention to the readings on your water meter, this can help you identify leaks that you may not be able to see with the naked eye.

Take a reading and then don’t use any water for 2 hours. Then take another reading. Depending on the reading you will be able to identify if you have a leak.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways you can save water in your everyday life. By making small adjustments to the way you use water, you can save water for the planet and say money on your water bill.

Simply follow these tips and start saving today.