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Tip Store: Utilities: Water

​Save Water & Prevent Scalding

I live alone and come close to 'living off the grid', so safety plus saving water is paramount. When I moved in, I changed taps in the house to 'mixer taps', especially in the bathroom and shower, where one handle controls hot and cold, on and off...there's no turning of separate handles involved, just push down on the handle and the water flow is off. The on/off aspect alone would surely prevent serious scalding as the flow is always turned off at the required temperature. You step into the shower, wet yourself down, turn off the flow and 'lather up', then flip the handle up and rinse off. You then push down on the handle closing off the water at your selected temperature. This definitely works for me....and saves water too.
Contributed by Marcia Harris

​Water Rebate Helps to Fund Renovation

Make your home more energy efficient and save thousands on the rebate alone! It's no secret that renovating can put some serious tension on the budget. We are doing our bathroom and I discovered that there are some great water saving rebates (which can vary from state to state). Obviously water saving will save money over time anyway, but the rebate is an additional saving. In Victoria you can get more than $1,000 back for rainwater tanks, shower heads, washing machines and toilets. Even if you aren't renovating each year you can get $30 back when you spend $100 on mulch, drippers or shower timers. The money is refunded on your water bill and all you need is proof of purchase and a plumber to have installed the new bathroom items. Too easy! You can find out more information by Googling your state and 'water rebate'. Victoria is here: http://www.vic.gov.au/government-economy/budgets-funding-rebates/rebates.html
Contributed by Rachel Bendall
​Website: http://www.vic.gov.au/government-economy/budgets-funding-rebates/rebates.html

​Daily Hot Tub Halves Water Bill

​Each night in summer my 2 young boys have their bath in a recycling tubs. We call them hot tubs and they think they are fantastic. The bonus is they use heaps less water than having a bath or shower and the water is then outside in the garden ready to pour on the plants when its cool. We have halved our water bill saving $90 on the latest bill and there is more than enough to water the whole garden. - Contributed by Charlotte Obeime, 7th March 2011

​Wash, Rinse, Wash and Save Water

Save hundreds of litres of water on each washing day by reusing the rinse water from the previous load of laundry as the wash water in the next load. I have about 7 buckets and watering cans stored in my laundry and I started with whites and work my way through the laundry from cleanest to dirtiest with each load. I set the washing machine on suds save or drip dry (it's called different things on different machines) and when the cycle finishes, I use my washing machine hose to put the rinse water into the buckets and watering cans and empty the machine. When I put the next load of laundry in the machine I use the saved rinse water as the wash water. With the last (and dirtiest) wash I use the water on the plants of grass then start over again. The laundry gets done as well as if I was using new water each time but this saves many, many litres of water and brings down your water bill.
​- Contributed by Bec, Tamworth, 24th February 2009

​Beware a Bill When the Metre Hasn't Moved

I suspect people don't know you are charged about $130-$150 'sewage' fee every three months just to have the water connected - no matter how little you use. We got a $136 water bill for an empty late father-in-laws house - the metre hadn't changed and I was dumb struck.
​- Contributed by Bindii, 20th February 200

​One After the Other Showers

Approximate $ Savings: $250 a year

To save hot water and electricity to heat the water, as each member of our family is finished in the shower the next person goes in. This saves the water going cold in the pipes and wasting water waiting for the hot water to come through the pipes again especially during winter and the cooler months.
​- Contributed by Jocelyn, Toowoomba, 5th May 2010

​Catching Cooler Water for the Garden

For those who have evaporative air con systems, or any air con system that disperses water, place a bucket under the air cons hose/water leaking area and use the water on the garden. I sometimes add some Seasol into the bucket to help give the plants a boost (as shown in the photo).
​- Contributed by Natalie, Wembley, 7th March 2010

Catching Waste Water​

Instead of using a bucket under the air conditioner connect a hose from air con to garden also don't forget another water source join the hot water overflow to that hose or to another part of the garden just keep it a little off the flowers or put a mound of dirt for it to run onto in case it's hot.
​- Contributed by Aaron Leach, 22nd April 2010

​From Air Conditioner to Car Battery - Recycling Water

Approximate $ Savings: $3.00

​ Distilled water for your car battery, iron or steam cleaner can be obtained from any air conditioner condensate drain. It is as chemically pure as the clouds in the sky. My small split system has produced as much as a bucketful in one evening. However it is not recommended for drinking as it is untreated. - Contributed by John, Auchenflower, 1st January 2009

​Water Saving Tips for Households with Children

I am a Family Day Carer with a house full of children every day. To save money and very importantly water I have the pressure in the children's bathroom turned right down no hot water is connected. Some of the children have been known to stand there just letting water run over their hands. Totally mesmerized! Plus some time ago I got the children into the habit of not flushing the toilet if they had only done a wee. This has saved lots of water especially when you have a little one who just loves to press the button...and press and press. All this equals water, saved better for the environment and my bank account and my stress levels are down (lol). On the other side of the coin I don't get the exercise running to turn taps of anymore.
​- Contributed by Ruth, Orange, 12th January 2009

​Check State Government Rebates Before Buying

Jump online and have a look at the government websites for your state. For example I live in Queensland and the Queensland government is providing a full-rebate on the cost of a water tank (depending on size) as long as you connect it to either your laundry or toilet. We saved over $2500 because our tank was free in the end.
​- Contributed by Kristy, Mt. Gravatt East, 28th October 2008

​Water and Electricity Savings

Approximate $ Savings: $150

​I managed to reuse my hot water several times. I have a shower first at night, with the plug in. The length of my shower is determined by the amount of water(two inches) left in the bottom of the bath. Next my two toddlers have a bath, in that water and finally when they are finished the water is let out onto the fruit trees. The grey water hose (about $20) is simply connected to the waste water pipe and directed around the yard as needed.
- Contributed by Amanda, Kingaroy, 23rd May 2008

​Don't Throw the Baby Out With the Bath Water, Wash the Bibs!

Approximate $ Savings : $2/day

As a mother of a little one, the bath water we use at night looks like wasted water when we are finished. But now as soon as he is finished in the bath, the water gets bucketed into the washing machine for the flannels and bibs that I go through in a day (this also works for a socks and jocks wash). The water is already warm and has some suds, so I only have to add one third of the laundry detergent that I usually use. If I don't have a wash ,which is rare, the water gets bucketed outside for the plants, so I rarely feel guilty about giving him a decent size bath! When I told my mother in law about what I was doing, she suggested that I bath him in the laundry wash trough and use the suds return on the washing machine to save even more water, time and energy!
- Contributed by Denise, Golden Grove, 27th February 2008

​Shower Water to Wash Water to Garden Water

Approximate $ Savings: $1.00 a day

​We should all use a bucket in the shower to save water. Instead of putting this clean water straight onto the garden, as I have small children and need to wash every day, I put the water from the bucket into my washing machine. This water is then recycled onto the garden. I am saving money and water.
- Contributed by Julia, Baxter, 4th January 2008

​Water Saving

When I wash the vegetable, I put water in a bowl and wash them, then use the water on my vegetable plants that l grow in the garden. Also when you boil or steam your vegetable. The water that is left over, let cool and water your vegetables in the garden with it. They love it.
​- Contributed by Cindy, Wodonga, 19th October 2007

​Catching Water to Re-Use

I use an ice-cream container under the washbasin and kitchen sink and use this water to flush the loo for a small job and saves a lot of water.
​- Contributed by Lisa, Lane Cove, 24th July 2007

​Catching the Cooler Water

I use a front loader washing machine but this idea could be used for any situation where you want to use water that would otherwise go to waste. Our reverse cycle air-conditioning system is mounted on the outside wall so that the run-off from the unit just drips into a bucket which is normally thrown on the garden in these very dry times. However with Level 3 restrictions, we keep a bucket under the drip outlet and use that water to top of the washing machine. If you use your air conditioner quite often, it is surprising just how much water drips from the unit. It's hard to say how much water and money I save this way, but I feel good knowing I am doing my bit for the environment too.
​- Contributed by Helen, Park Holme, 1st September 2007

​Grey Water System

My husband and l decided we needed to save some water so we acquired an old cherry barrel (free), which we got from Parmalat Australia Ltd (milk/cheese factory we have locally). We put the barrel under our laundry window, lying side ways and cut a large hole along the top (to place a pump in) and a little hole on the other side of the top to put the pipes in. We bought a diverter from Bunnings ($4-5) which we put in the pipe from the shower and attached a garden hose to the diverter to put into the barrel. The we attached a grey water hose (Bunnings, $9) from the washing machine to the barrel. We bought a pond pump from the Pump Place ($300) and attached another garden hose to the pump with a sprinkler head on the other end. We put the sprinkler head where we want to water, eg. trees, lawn, flower gardens. And it is ready to go. When we have a shower or do the laundry the water goes into the barrel. Once the water has reached a certain height the pump will automatically turn on and will water wherever the sprinkler is. I have done this all summer and my lawns and gardens have been green. The only down side is that you have to mow the lawn, but at least the dry grass and dust is not blowing into the house and l have not used any drinking water to water the plants. l did have to put a sign out the front to say that l was using recycled water as some people were a bit annoyed with my sprinkler going. I hope this helps other people to recycle their water.
​- Contributed by Cindy, Wodonga, 26th April 2007

​Buckets for Flushing

In this hard time of drought and water shortages, I find most water wastage in my home to be the flushing of the "ye olde toilette". By simply plugging the drain hole when I shower, I can use a bucket and in effect flush the day's waste away, saving in excess water costs and usage.
​- Contributed by Sandra, May 4th 2005

​Ways to Save Water

We don't have mains water so are always looking for ways to save water. We keep a bucket in the shower and when it is running and we are waiting for it to heat up this water all goes into the bucket. It is amazing how much water it collects in a short time. We use this water on our potted plants.
​- Contributed by Joy, Adelaide Hills, November 7th 2006

​Catching Water in the Shower and Bath

In these times of water rationing, put a bucket in your shower recess and use the water caught to water the garden. This can also be done with bath water when cooled.
​- Contributed by Deidre, Morphett Vale, October 22nd 2006

​Saving Your Water

Water savings: For drinking - you can easily use water from the water tank for general purpose (even drinking) if it's a reasonably new tank. Sift it through a nylon stocking or pantyhose. Just boil it before drinking or cooking. Don't pour out the leftover boiled water in the kettle. Pour it into an empty soft drink bottle and keep it in the fridge for a cool refreshing drink. Leftovers - pour it into a bowl and use it for watering your indoor or pergola plants. Water the garden after dark - not in the early morning hours or during the hot hours - during the summer, it'll simply be a waste; it'll evaporate.
​- Contributed by John, Sellicks Beach, October 20th 2006

​How to Save Water

As we have little rain where we are living, I have found a way of saving water every time it rains. By placing garbage bins, and vegetable styro boxes in the middle of the yard with a heavy object in the middle so it doesn't fly away, it's perfect to collect water when it falls. Another idea is to get 44 litre drums and place in a line along the side of a shed or house and gather more rain water from the downpipes, do this when the rainwater tanks have all ready been filled. Use anything that can carry water
​- Contributed by Cheryl, Eudunda, October 3rd 2006

​Free Stuff

Easy Being Green (http://www.easybeinggreen.net) is offering NSW & ACT customers a Climate Change Starter Pack free of charge. It contains six energy saving light globes and an AAA rated showerhead. Once installed, these kits can save you $150 a year on your energy bill and 21,000 litres a year of water consumption. No strings attached.
​- Contributed by Jane, Randwick, July 19th 2006

​Saving Water

Because the need to save water is so great and is only going to get worse, we put 3 recycled 5 litre honey buckets on the shower floor and then shower as normal. Those buckets are almost filled when we're finished, they then go on the garden, to water pot plants or to wash the floors, not a drop gets wasted.
​- Contributed by Noelle, Sale, September 29th 2006

​Saving Water When Showering

A further way of saving water (and thereby money) is to stand in a baby bath while you are showering. Then, when you have finished your shower the water can be reused on your garden.
​- Contributed by Jenny, Sandy Creek, September 28th 2006

​Re-using Washing Machine Water

I have an old wheelie bin, which I use to capture then re-use washing machine water (and rain for what it's worth). When washing, I wheel the bin into the laundry, take the outlet hose and put that into the bin. As the machine proceeds through its cycle used water is dumped into the bin (1 wash half fills the bin). I have put a tap on the bottom of the bin that I can connect a hose to, and I run the water out onto the lawn/garden. OR if I cannot use the hose, I can wheel the bin full of water to anywhere in the garden and dump the water. This is a cheap grey water system (untreated) Recycling wheelie bins can be bought from many councils for around $120. Just drill a hole in the side (bottom) and install a tap! You can even place some old shade cloth over the top to catch lint from the washing machine, so you don't block up the tap.
​- Contributed by Brendan, Grovedale, September 14th 2006

​A Cheaper Flush

​Modern dual flush toilets use only 3 or 6 litres of water per flush. That's 30% less water than older dual flush cisterns use and up to 70% less than single flush toilets! Updating your toilet to a new dual flush system is one of the most effective ways to save water and money in the home.

​Shower Savings

My Dad managed to solve the age old problem of long teenage showers in the ultimate cheapskate way. He puttied up half the holes in the old shower rose. Water usage came down by half!
​- Contributed by Jane, February 17th, 2003

​Repair Leaks

​Repair leaky taps and toilets (12% of water "use" is leakage). Make sure that all taps are turned off properly and not dripping, replace the washers if necessary. Check hose fittings to make sure they turn off tight and don't drip or leak water when not in use.

​Shower Heads

​Install a low flow showerhead. You'll reduce your water heating costs and cut your water bill. But more importantly, you'll save water!

​Saving Water in the Sink

​Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or basin filled with water instead of under running water. This will save around 120 litres of water a week.

​Catch the Drips

​Save water - keep a bucket in the bathroom and use it to catch the water from the shower until the warm water flows through. Use it in the washing machine, or to water indoor plants, wash floors etc.