Saving water in the home

Imagine living in a house without running water or modern washing appliances... For some this might be utopian paradise but for most it would be a nightmare. Running water is an incredibly valuable resource with an almost endless list of applications and uses in and around the home.

Kitchen
The kitchen is a major consumer of water in the home, using around 10% of total household water consumption for cooking, cleaning, washing or drinking.
The dishwasher is the highest consumer of water in the kitchen. Installing a water efficient model will save you not only water, but also money. Before purchasing a new dishwasher, check the appliance for a WELS (National Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme) label. The WELS scheme labels products for water efficiency - the more stars, the more water efficient the product. A WELS dishwasher uses half the water of an average model.

Handy Tips

• To avoid wasting drinking water from a running tap, collect it in a bottle or jug and store it in the fridge until it is cool enough to drink.
• Garbage-disposal units use about 6 litres of water per day. Put suitable food scraps into a composter or worm farm rather than down the kitchen sink.
• When you clean your fish tank, use the ‘old’ nitrogen and phosphorous-rich water on your plants.

Dishwasher Tips

• Look for dishwashers that have a National Water Conservation or WELS Label. The best water rating achieved by dishwashers is 5 star.
• Only use the dishwasher when you have a full load.
• Use the rinse-hold setting on the dishwasher, if it has one, rather than rinsing dishes under the tap.

Top Tap Tips

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t rinse them under a running tap. If you have two sinks, fill the second one with rinsing water. If you have only one sink, stack washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a pan of hot water.
• Use washing up liquid sparingly as this will reduce the amount of rinsing required when washing dishes by hand.
• Use a plugged sink or a pan of water. This saves running the tap continuously.
• When boiling vegetables, use enough water to cover them and keep the lid on the saucepan. Your vegetables will boil quicker and it will save you water, power and preserve precious vitamins in the food.
• Flow controlled aerators for taps are inexpensive and can reduce water flow by 50%.
• Don’t use running water to defrost frozen food. Ideally place food in refrigerator to defrost overnight.
• Catch running water whilst waiting for it to warm up. Use it to water plants, rinse dishes or wash fruit and vegetables.
• If you have a leaking tap, replace the washer or other components as required. Dripping taps can waste 30 – 200 litres of water per day.
• Insulate hot water pipes. This avoids wasting water while waiting for hot water to flow through and saves energy.
• Make sure your hot water system thermostat is not set too high. Adding cold water to cool very hot water is wasteful.

Laundry
15-20% of all water consumed in the home is used in the laundry, making this room a high consumer of not only water but also energy and detergents.

There are many inexpensive ways to save water in the laundry. One of the easiest is to install a water efficient washing machine. Many major appliances and tapware products carry labels according to their water efficiency. Look out for the WELS (Water Efficience Labelling and Standards) label - this is displayed on the product or a swing tag. It demonstrates that manufacturers and importers have ensured their product has been tested and complies with the Australian Standard in the respective category.

Washing Machine Tips

• Look for washing machines that have a four or more star rating (WELS label).
• Consider buying a water efficient front loading washing machine.
• Check the water efficiency performance of any product before buying.
• Adjust the water level to suit the size of the wash load - some new water efficient models will do this automatically.
• Wash with a full load and you'll save 10 litres of water each wash.
• Use the sud-saver option, if your old machine has one, when you have several loads to wash.

Top Tap Tips

• Leaking taps can usually be fixed with a new washer. This is easy to do - remember to turn the water off at the mains before you start.
• If the tap still drips, call a plumber - the cost incurred will save you money on your water bills in the long run.
• Insulate hot water pipes - this avoids wasting water while waiting for hot water to flow through and saves energy.
• Make sure your hot water system thermostat is not set too high - adding cold water to cool very hot water is wasteful.

Bathroom
DID YOU KNOW?
Nearly half of all water consumed in the home is used in the bathroom. 20% of that water is flushed down the toilet…

It’s easy to become water-smart in the bathroom if you follow a few simple steps. Before buying a new bathroom appliance, check the manufacturer’s water efficiency labels. WELS is Australia’s new Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme which allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products using a star rating scheme. By buying more water-efficient products, you can save money on water and electricity bills and help the environment. Look for a product that has a high star rating – the more stars, the more water efficient the product. A standard 3-star rated showerhead can save the average home $150 a year in water bills and can be purchased for as little as $50.

Saving water in the shower...

DID YOU KNOW? Three star rated showerheads use no more than 9 litres of water per minute, while old style showerheads use 15 – 20 litres per minute. If you shower for six minutes, a water efficient showerhead can save up to 50 litres of water for each shower or up to 20,000 litres of water per person per year Take shorter showers. Limit time spent in the shower to soap up, wash down, and rinse off. Shorter showers save on energy costs associated with heating water Use a shower timer. Choose from a manual 4-minute egg timer or a more sophisticated electronic timer that either attaches to the shower wall or showerhead, or is wired into the wall during construction Use a bucket to collect water while waiting for the shower to get hot Shave your legs before taking a shower. Use running shower water to rinse off. Insulate hot water pipes. This avoids wasting water while waiting for hot water to flow through and saves energy. Consider an instantaneous water heater if your existing water heater is located some distance to the bathroom. Talk to a plumber first to make sure it will work adequately with your three star showerhead. Make sure your hot water system thermostat is not set too high. Adding cold water to reduce the temperature of very hot water is wasteful

Saving water in the bath...

Only fill the tub with as much water as needed. Use less for kids and pets. Check the temperature as you fill. Adding extra water to get the correct temperature after the bath is at the right level is wasteful. Regularly check your plug for leaks and replace as necessary. Bucket used bath water onto the garden, or use it to wash your car. Check that soaps and detergents in the water won’t harm garden plants.

Saving water using the toilet...

DID YOU KNOW? The new 4-star rated toilets by Caroma can save the average home up to 35,000 litres per year. These new toilets use just 4.5 litres for a full flush and 3 litres for a half flush. If you can’t afford a new toilet, you can purchase small gadgets to reduce the volume used with each flush of an older style toilet. They work by causing the toilet to flush for as long as the button is pressed. Waterwizz and Flexiflush are two types of these gadgets. Leaking toilet cisterns waste litres of water each day. Check for leaks by putting a few drops of food dye in the cistern. If you have a leak, coloured water will appear in the bowl before the toilet has been flushed.

Saving water using the basin...

DID YOU KNOW?
A running tap uses about 16 litres of water per minute.

• Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth. Wet your brush and use a glass for rinsing.
• Don’t rinse your razor under a running tap. Filling the basin with a little warm water is as effective and less wasteful.

Fixing leaks
DID YOU KNOW? A slowly dripping tap can waste 20,000 litres in a year. Check for drips and take action now!
Alot of water is lost around the home due to leaking pipes and dripping taps. It might not seem much, but it adds up...

A slowly dripping tap can waste a couple of litres each hour, reaching almost 20,000 litres a year. That's the entire amount available each year to many people around the world!

To detect a leak, ensure all taps are turned off. Check your water meter and note the reading. Then check the reading again after about three hours. If no water has been used, the reading should be the same. If the meter has moved, you have a leak that needs to be found and fixed.

Changing the washers usually fixes dripping taps. If this does not solve the problem, contact a plumber.

Pools and Spas
Current water restrictions may limit how you fill or top up a new or existing swimming pool and spa, but you can still enjoy these great leisure activities if you follow a few simple water conservation guidelines.

Preventing water evaporation

Evaporation is a major cause of water loss from your swimming pool. It is important to remember that the evaporation rate is highest in the early evening as the air cools and the water remains warm. This can be reduced by covering the pool's surface. Covering the pool lowers the pools temperature, decreasing evaporation whilst preventing debris from falling on the pool surface. By preventing sunlight from penetrating the water, you will also reduce the amount of chemicals needed to keep the pool clean.

Pool covers
These are generally more expensive than blankets as they require a roller for storage, and take some effort to roll out and put away. They have an added safety benefit as it is difficult to fall into the pool when the cover is in place. They also cover the whole pool, preventing up to 95% of evaporation, compared with a blank where there may be gaps between a blanket and the edge of a pool.

Pool blankets
They offer a more affordable option and are available in bubble plastic or foam, which float on the water's surface. If used with a roller they can be easily be removed before pool use, then spread again after you have finished swimming for the day.

Increase shade
Covering your pool with a shade will further reduce evaporation as well as protecting swimmers from harsh sunrays. Use shade cloth or a shade sail.

Liquid pool covers Are a new alternative available if you don't want to hide your pool water with a cover or blanket. The chemical forms a barrier on the water's surface which inhibits evaporation by up to 40%. It can either be added to the pool daily by hand or by using an automatic metering system. Prevent wind exposure Wind contributes to evaporation. To reduce water loss, adjust the landscape around your pool with walls and hedges that create shelter from the wind.

Tank to pool systems

Installing a rainwater tank is a great way to reduce the use of mains water in your swimming pool. Many regions now have rebates available for rainwater tanks. Rainwater diverters are an inexpensive alternative to installing a tank. They attach to a downpipe and can be used to divert rainwater into your swimming pool. In large downpours, you will need to monitor the water level in your pool so that it does not overflow. You should consult a plumber about stormwater diversion.

What type of filter should I use?

Sand filters require backwashing which can use up to 8000L of water every year. Purchase a cartridge filter if you are installing a new pool or replacing the filter. Cartridge filters do not require backwashing to be cleaned so they use less water. Backwashing a sand filter should be carried out once every 4 to 6 weeks. Only backwash until the glass goes clear - backwashing for longer will waste excessive amounts of water.

How can I prevent loss of water from splashing?

Avoid overfilling your pool as this will prevent your filter from working effectively and will cause water to overflow. The water level should be about half way up the skimmer box opening for the filter to function properly. If you want to allow the water level of you pool to drop below this, you will need to buy a T-piece suction line which connects to the skimmer box allowing the filter to function normally. Change pool behaviour Concentrate on keeping water in the pool. Try the following: Discourage pool users from "bombing" and continually getting out and jumping back into the pool. Drip dry on the top step so that water goes back into the pool. If you need to top up, get those who use the pool to top up the water level with a bucket so they're conscious of the amount of water they've used. Regularly check for leaks Leaks can easily develop in the pool's membrane and piping. Even a small leak can waste 7000 litres per year. These can be difficult to detect so it is recommended that you test your water pipe's pressure when installing your pool and then once every 3 years. Pool maintenance Backwash only when necessary. Check regularly for cracks and leaks. Keep the pool and filters clean to reduce frequency of filter backwashing. If acid has been used to clean the pool, the water should be neutralised.

What if my pool has already gone green?

If your pool has already gone green, you can kill the algae with a dose of chlorine. The green particles can then be removed by installing a pool filter bag on the return line. These bags can filter particles down to one micron and will allow you to reuse water from backwashing in your pool. How can pool chemicals save water? By maintaining the correct balance of chemicals in your pool year round, you will prevent your pool water from going green over winter. This means you won't need to empty and refill the pool in spring. Monitoring the chemicals in your pool will also prevent you from having to discard polluted water. Water restrictions will affect how you fill a new pool or top up an existing one. You may have to use a bucket or order water in via a carting service depending on local water restrictions. Check with your local water provider.

Garage and driveway
Washing your car and cleaning your driveway are activities that traditionally used a lot of water. Here are some ways to reduce water consumption while still having a clean driveway and car.

Driveways

Water restrictions in most areas have meant that many businesses and home owners are no longer permitted to hose down driveways, paths, concrete and paved areas. But there are alternative ways to keep these areas clean using minimal amounts of water or even no water at all. Use a broom, brush or rake to sweep and clean outdoor paths and paving instead of hosing them down with water.

Tips for washing cars

Use a waterless car wash - there are now a number of these products available If water restrictions permit, wash cars, boats and other vehicles on the lawn (if practical) with a bucket not a running hose. Use a trigger nozzle or a positive shut-off nozzle infrequently for occasional rinsing sprays. Use captured ‘warm-up’ water from inside the home or treated greywater to wash vehicles. Use a commercial car wash that recycles its wash water.

Case study

• Commercial car wash businesses survive water restrictions
  

Greywater use

Greywater (or grey water) is typically water from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines. It does not include water from the toilet. Water from kitchen sinks and dishwashers is also technically greywater, however the high concentration of food wastes and chemicals mean that it is less suitable for re-use. Should you reuse greywater?

Using greywater may be the only solution for keeping gardens alive during periods of hot, dry weather. Greywater replaces the need to use mains water for watering gardens or lawns and can potentially save thousands of litres of drinking water a year. Benefits of using greywater: Decreases your water bills. Reduces the amount of sewage discharged to the oceans or rivers. Irrigates your garden during drought periods. Can be used to keep gardens alive when water restrictions prevent the use of mains water.

Greywater Do's and Dont's

The following list covers some of the major do's and don'ts when using a greywater system and is applicable to all residents in Australia. For further information, contact your local council or water retailer.

Do

• Use low phosphorus detergents
• Diverted greywater (untreated) should only be used on the garden and not always in the same spot
• Apply diverted greywater to the garden by a below ground seepage pipe. This will reduce human exposure to the water.
• Use greywater only during prolonged warm, dry periods: use only what you need to meet the plant's water requirements
• Ensure greywater is diverted to the sewer during wet periods
• Install a diversion system that is 'fail-safe', where the greywater will automatically be diverted to the sewer if the greywater system blocks or malfunctions
• Stop using greywater if you smell odours and your plants do not appear to be healthy
• Wash your hands after watering with greywater and after gardening in greywater irrigated areas
• Use less fertiliser when irrigating with greywater
• Ensure greywater does not contaminate any source of drinking water: extreme care must be taken to ensure there is no cross-connection between the greywater re-use system and the drinking water supply

Don't

• Never water vegetable gardens if the crop is to be eaten raw
• Never use greywater that has faecal contamination, for example, wastewater used to wash nappies
• Never store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours
• Never drink greywater or allow children or pets to drink or play with greywater
• Never allow greywater to flow beyond your property boundary or enter stormwater systems
• Do not use kitchen wastewater (including dishwashers) - it contains highly concentrated food wastes and chemicals that are not readily broken down by soil organisms
• Do not allow greywater to pool or stagnate as this will attract insects and rodents, which may transmit disease.

Greywater systems, permits, costs and rebates

Greywater systems vary greatly in price, depending on the complexity of the system and the intended end-use for the water. A simple diverter can cost under $100, while complete treatment systems can cost several thousand dollars. For further information on systems and prices visit our product library. The permits required to install a greywater system and costs and rebates that apply vary according to where you live. For further information, contact your local council or water retailer. Rainwater collection

Rainwater tanks, traditionally an icon of the Australian outback, are becoming a more common feature in urban communities, with around 17% of all households installing a tank on their property. More households need to purchase a rainwater tank if the community is to make a real difference to conserve rapidly depleting water supplies.

Why use rainwater?

Using rainwater can reduce your water bills as rainwater is free. Tank rebate schemes are available in many states. For further information, contact your local water retailer. Collecting rainwater allows you to be prepared for times of low rainfall, so you can still maintain your garden, especially if there are water restrictions in your area. It reduces the load on stormwater systems because roof runoff is not flushed into the drains. Using rainwater reduces the need to build more water storage dams, which may have to be situated in environmentally sensitive areas.

Benefits of installing a rainwater tank

Saves large amounts of water which can be used in the garden or in the home. Requires a relatively simple system which is easy to use. During the wet season, when the garden doesn't need any extra watering, rainwater can be connected to the house and used for toilet flushing as well as in the laundry Rainwater is also suitable for use in pools and for washing cars In some rural areas, it is possible to use rainwater for all domestic uses, and not draw upon the mains supply.

Issues associated with rainwater use

There are some important factors that affect the quality of rainwater, which may also become health issues:

• Contamination from pollutants found in roof and pipe materials.
• Contamination from bird droppings, local pollution, and organic material collected on the roof.
• Breeding of mosquitos in the water supply.

The quality of water you need to maintain will depend on its use. However, water from rooftops that contain harmful chemicals should not be used for any purpose. Obviously, drinking water will have to meet the standards set by health authorities.

These quality issues can be overcome if you use approved products and techniques. Tanks and other equipment must meet the required standards, and state health authorities will approve most reputable manufacturers and installers. Your local water authority should be able to recommend high quality products and approve your system.

As government, industry and community attitudes towards environmental issues continue to grow, water conservation is a critical factor in reducing our overall water consumption.

Did you know?...

• On average, a person uses about 200 litres of water per day, of which 5-10 litres is for basic survival, ie drinking and food preparation.
• The other 190 litres is discretionary and is used for washing (showers, dishes, clothes, toilets) and the garden.
• Some communities have been successful in reducing average personal tap water usage to as low as 130 litres per day.
• Approximately half the water supplied to urban areas in Australia ends up as waste water, according to a report by the Institute for Sustainable Futures prepared for the Water Services Association in 1998.

Together we can all do our bit to help reduce water consumption. Installing water saving products can make a difference and despite the initial cost, they are an investment: in the long term, you will be saving money and helping the environment. There's plenty of water saving ideas and initiatives to inspire you on the savewater website.

Source : http://www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=12