There are many water saving initiatives that people can undertake or install around the home, some of these initiatives are quite inexpensive;

Appliances

• If you are purchasing a new dishwasher, washing machine, toilet or tapware, purchase products that have a Water Efficiency Labelling System (WELS) label. The WELS star rating indicates the water efficiency of the product. The label should be attached to the product. If it doesn’t have a WELS label it may not be water efficient.

• Check and repair leaking shower, bath and or basin taps
• Install water flow control inserts which will assist to balance a low pressure hot water system with mains cold water and reduce water useage.
• Install a water saving shower rose that will deliver 9 litres of water per minute
• Consider installing a shower timer that limits the time members of your family can spend in the shower.
• If your taps are old and need replacing purchase new taps, that are preset to deliver 6 litres of water per minute.
• If you are shaving put the plug in the basin, rather than letting the tap run and waste water.
• If you are brushing your teeth, turn off the tap while you are brushing, to save water

• Repair or replace leaking sink taps, consider installing water flow control inserts to help balance a low pressure hot water system with mains cold water or replace the tapware with water efficient tapware.
• Ensure that any new tapware you have installed has a Water Efficiency Labelling System (WELS) label.
• If using a dishwasher only use it when you have a full load to wash

In the laundry

• Repair or replace laundry trough taps, consider installing water flow control inserts to help balance a low pressure hot water system with mains cold water or replace the tapware completely. Check for the WELS rating.
• When washing, wait and only wash with a full load.

In the toilet

• Repair leaking toilet cisterns, as this eliminates wasting a lot of water. If you are unsure if it is leaking put a few drops of vegetable dye in the cistern and keep a check on it over the next few minutes to see if the dye enters the toilet bowl.
• Consider installing a dual flush cistern or a new 4½ /3 litre smart flush toilet suite

Externally and Generally

• Turn off all of the water devices and taps in your home and record the water meter reading. Check the meter reading a few hours later to see if it is registering a flow of water into your property. If it is, it means you have a water leak somewhere. If you have a water leak call a licensed plumber to investigate and offer a solution.
• Repair or replace leaking external taps, you might consider installing a water flow control insert or if it supplies the irrigation system maybe a tap timer. You should also check for leaks from any irrigation solenoids and sprinkler heads. A good indicator of a leak is a wet area or a green patch of lawn or grass, where it should not be. These leaks should be repaired to save water.
• Dead legs or cold run off from a hot water tap

You may want to investigate the installation of a quick start device on your hot water system. This will return the cold water to your hot water service and replace it with hot water. This means you will not have to run off the dead leg of cold water from your tap which will save you water in the long term. Alternatively, collect the cold run off in a vessel and use it on your plants or simply allow it to mix in the sink, basin, bath or trough with your hot water to achieve your desired water temperature.

New Rainwater Tank Plumbing Rebate Scheme

Rainwater tanks can provide you with additional water by harnessing the rain collected off your property roof and are used widely in areas where there is limited access to reticulated water.

The South Australian Government has announced a new rainwater tank plumbing rebate scheme. From 1 July 2006, rebates up to $400 will be offered to plumb new or existing rainwater tanks into existing homes. The scheme will be capped at half a million dollars a year for four years.

The rebate will be administered by SA Water and will apply to:

• Your property has not had a significant additional extension constructed (additional roof size over 500m2) from 1 July 2006 or was newly constructed from 1 July 2006. (These cases are subject to a separate building requirement from 1 July 2006 that installation and connection of a rainwater tank is mandatory for which no rebate applies).
• This rebate will cover the plumbing work and not the cost of the tank.
• The rainwater tank must be connected to at least one of the following; Toilet cistern, all laundry cold water outlets or hot water service.
• The rainwater tank must have the capacity of 1000L or greater.
• Automatic switching device between rainwater and any mains water or other appropriate supply.
• Appropriate backflow prevention device installed.
• All pipework and outlets to be appropriately signed and marked.

Automatic switching between rainwater and mains water will be required, as will proof of installation by registered plumber by lodgement of a Certificate of Compliance.

Please click here to download a Rainwater Tank Plumbing Rebate Scheme application form.

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