Adelaide just recorded its driest January since 1957 and water has been in short demand. This seems like a good time to discuss how you can save water in your home. Let’s look at water use in the bathroom and kitchen.

Did you know 40% of all water used in the home is used in the bathroom? To help conserve water and save money, the first thing to do is look at the appliances and look for products with a high star rating. The average home can save approximately $150/year by installing a standard 3-star rated shower head which costs approximately $20.

Some simple habit changes can also help save water in the bathroom:

• Take shorter showers.
• Use a timer in the shower to help you keep track of time.
• Use a bucket to collect water while waiting for the water to get hot. Use the collected water on plants or other household uses.
• Insulate hot water pipes.
• Do not run water while shaving. Use water only to rinse off.
• Only use as much water as is necessary in the bath.
• Monitor the temperature as the bath fills to avoid adding water to regulate the temperature.
• Collect used bathwater to use in the garden or to wash cars.
• Use 4-star rated toilets.
• Regularly check toilets for leaks and repair when needed.
• Turn the water in the sink off when brushing teeth or shaving. Use running water only to rinse.

Another method to conserve water is to install a rainwater tank such as the one manufactured by Ri-Industries. Once the rain starts coming again, it can be collected from your roof and gutters. The rainwater tanks Adelaide can be connected to your toilet plumbing. Then, every time you flush, you are using rainwater, instead of water from the mains. Recycled rainwater is an excellent way to conserve water, plus it will save on your monthly water bills.

Let’s move to the kitchen where around 10% of total household water is consumed. Here are tips to help save water:

• Dishwashers consume the most water in the kitchen. Look for the WELS label of water efficiency. The more stars, the more water efficient the appliance. Only run the dishwasher when it is full. If the dishwasher has a rinse-hold setting, use it in lieu of rinsing dishes with sink water.
• Do not run water over frozen food to defrost. Instead, defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use washing-up liquid sparingly to limit the amount of rinsing required.
• Waiting for the running water to warm up? Catch it in a container and use it to water plants, rinse dishes, or wash fruits and vegetables.
• Use a plugged sink or a bowl of water whenever possible to avoid running the tap.

Small changes can mean big savings in water consumption. In dry times like these, it’s important for us all to make an effort. Call Ri-Industries, at 08 8444 8100, to learn more about our concrete rainwater tanks.