Conserving water

The average New Zealand family uses between 250-300 litres of water per person per day. Most of this is through taking baths, washing clothes and watering the garden.

Use our tips to help conserve water and save money. 

Smart water conservation tips

In the home

• Wait until you have a full load before you turn on the dishwasher or washing machine, or, use the half-load facility if available on your appliance. When buying new appliances, look for the AAA Water Conservation rating.
• Turn the water off while brushing your teeth or lathering soap on your hands. Put the plug in the sink when washing your hands instead of letting the tap run.
• Try reducing the amount of water in the bath or, if you have a shower, use that instead.
• Capture "greywater" in a bucket when you are showering and doing dishes. That water can be used again in your garden or to flush a toilet.
• If your toilet has a dual-flush button, use the half flush and think twice about whether you really need to flush. Use a cistern weight or a brick within the toilet cistern to reduce water when flushing.
• Switch off auto flush systems at night.
• Keep a jug of drinking water in the fridge and keep it topped up. If you run the tap long enough for water to cool down it can waste 10 litres a minute.
• Let the car go dusty – show what a conscientious water conserver you are. When you do wash it, use a bucket on your lawn rather than a hose in the driveway.
• Make sure dripping taps and leaking pipes are dealt with as quickly as possible.
• When on holiday, turn your water off.

In the garden

• Only use buckets or watering cans, and water plants at times of low evaporation (i.e when it is overcast or during the cooler parts of the day). Washing up or vegetable water is safe to use.
• Use mulch to help retain moisture and keep out thirsty weeds.
• Grow plants that flourish in dry conditions.
• Soak your garden every few days rather than a quick drink every night, as this will encourage the roots to go deeper into the soil to seek out moisture.

Is your water bill higher than it should be? Find out how to check for water leaks.