Water conservation is a good practice to get into, not only for the environment, but also for your wallet! There are many things that can be done to help save water around your home, and most of them are super cheap, quick, and simple to implement. We’ve included 10 tips below to help you save on your water bill.

1. Turn off the tap!

One of the easiest ways to save on water is to simply turn off the tap when you’re not using it. This applies to brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing the dishes. A running tap can use up to 25 litres per minute, so turning it off when you’re not directly using it can do a lot to save on water usage.

2. Buy a smaller dishwasher

If you find yourself struggling to fill up a full dishwasher load before switching it on, it might be worth considering a smaller machine. These machines often use less energy and water, and can fit in a smaller spot if you’re looking to conserve space. Scraping dishes before loading, instead of rinsing can also help you save water.

3. Install a trigger nozzle for your hose

With more than a third of the average Australian home’s water consumption happening outdoors, a trigger nozzle can be a great addition to give more control of the garden hose water flow. Trigger nozzles allow you to stop and start the water flow easily. On the topic of the garden hose, consider using it sparingly. Using a broom instead of a hose to clear an area could save you and your family up to 13,500L annually.

4. Get a rainwater tank installed

A rainwater tank can be a great way to collect water for use in the garden. These tanks can also be plumbed into your washing machine and toilet, if you choose, which can save your household even more on the water bill!

5. Use a water-efficient showerhead

Changing to a water-efficient showerhead could save your household as much as 20,000 litres of water every year. A showerhead with a high star-rating could also save you big bucks on your water bill. It’s also worth looking at the flow rate of potential showerheads, to find one with the fewest litres per minute.

6. Use a pool cover

The Australian sun can be ruthless on pools, and often causes water evaporation. By placing a cover over your pool when it’s not in use, you could save time and money filling up your pool after evaporation occurs.

7. Put a bucket in your shower for grey water

Placing a bucket in your shower while you wash can collect a heap of greywater that can then be used for watering the garden.

8. Fix leaking toilets

A leaking toilet can use up a staggering amount of water. According to Water Corporation, a constant trickle can waste around 9,000 litres per year! There are several ways to check for a leak in your toilet. One option is to place a piece of toilet paper at the back of the bowl under the rim 30 minutes after the last flush when the rim is dry. If the paper becomes wet you may have a leaking cistern. Another way to check for leaks in a toilet is to put food dye in the reservoir tank. This way, if you see any colour in the toilet bowl, you’ll know you have a leak.

9. Take shorter showers

According to EnergyAustralia, a shower can use between six and 45 litres of water every minute! Cutting back to shorter showers (under four minutes) is a great way to save on water costs, and if everyone in your household does this, it could reduce your water use by as much as 20 per cent. Set an alarm for four minutes, or choose a song to play while showering to keep track of the amount of time you spend under the stream.

10. Choose plants that don’t require a lot of water

Plants that naturally grow in dryer climates can be great to put in the garden if you’re looking to conserve water. Succulents (including cactuses) are a good choice if you’re looking for resilient plants, as are many Australian natives.