17 Sep 2020
Australian households spend a lot of money on water. The average quarterly water bill is over $200 in every state and territory according to Canstar, with Tasmanians spending the most ($365 a quarter on average). Western Australians spends the least on water, paying an average of $234 a quarter. If you're sick of wasting your hard-earned cash on water, there are steps you can take to save money on your water bill.
Long showers may be relaxing, but they're also expensive. Showers churn through water extremely quickly, especially old showerheads. Modern showerheads are designed to minimise water usage, but outdated models can use between 15 and 20 litres per minute. To significantly reduce your water usage, aim for 4-minute showers. You won't have as much time to wash your hair, but just think of the savings.
Waiting for your dirty laundry to pile up might not sound like a good habit, but it can help keep your water bill from getting out of hand. Rather than washing a couple of t-shirts at a time, wait until you've got enough clothes to do a full load. Using cold water instead of hot may also reduce the cost of your water bill, as heating water is energy-intensive.
Want to save money and time when cleaning the kitchen? Using a dishwasher is more efficient than washing up by hand, both in terms of water usage and effort. A study by a German university found that dishwashers use around 15 litres per load on average, while washing up by hand requires 10.5 litres. However, most households that wash their dishes by hand usually do so at least twice a day, whereas most dishwashers only run once a day. You do the maths.
Energy-efficient appliances can be expensive, but they'll help you save money on your water bill in the long run. If you're trying to reduce your water bill, choose energy-efficient models for the following appliances and devices:
Careful with water but still getting massive bills? You might have a water leak. Even a small leak can add up to litres of lost water over time, potentially costing you a serious amount of money. The leak could be coming from a faulty appliance, or one of your pipes may have cracked. If you can't find the leak yourself, get professional help by calling in a plumber.
If you're fussy about keeping your car clean, washing it yourself could be the reason for your big water bills. Instead of hosing your vehicle down in your driveway, visiting an automated carwash could save you hundreds of litres. Many automated carwashes use inbuilt water recycling systems to save water, making it the more sustainable choice.
Harvesting rainwater is a great way to save money on your water bill. You won't have to rely exclusively on mains water, providing your household with a cheaper alternative for watering the garden, washing dishes, and even showering. Some local councils offer rebates for rainwater use, allowing you to potentially offset installation costs.
Many imported plants need lots of water to stay alive, particularly during the hash Australian summer. Planting native species capable of withstanding dry conditions can help reduce your water usage. These are just some of the native species to consider when creating a drought-resistant garden:
Pool water can evaporate quickly on hot days, wasting your precious water. Using a pool cover can prevent evaporation by keeping your pool water out of the sun's reach. The effectiveness of your pool cover will depend on its thickness – thin pool covers can reduce a small amount of evaporation, while thick covers stop most evaporation.
Want to save money on more than just water? Check out our tips on How to Save Money on Your Household Bills. If you've just been landed with an unexpectedly large water bill and don't have the cash to cover it, Sunshine Loans can help. Apply for one of our short-term loans to get back on top of your finances.
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