Laundry

There are many inexpensive ways to save water in the laundry. One of the easiest is to install a water efficient washing machine. Many major appliances and tapware products carry labels according to their water efficiency. Look out for the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) label - this is displayed on the product or a swing tag. It demonstrates that manufacturers and importers have ensured their product has been tested and complies with the Australian Standard in the respective category.

• Look for washing machines that have a four or more star rating (WELS label).
• Consider buying a water efficient front loading washing machine.
• Check the water efficiency performance of any product before buying.
• Adjust the water level to suit the size of the wash load - some new water efficient models will do this automatically.
• Wash with a full load and you will save 10 litres of water each wash.
• Use the sud-saver option - if your machine has one - when you have several loads to wash.

• Leaking taps can usually be fixed with a new washer, this is easy to do. Just remember to turn the water off at the mains before you start.
• If the tap still drips, call a plumber. The cost incurred will save you money on your water bills in the long run.
• Insulate hot water pipes, this avoids wasting water while waiting for hot water to flow through and saves energy.
• Make sure your hot water system thermostat is not set too high. Adding cold water to cool very hot water is wasteful.
• Install water efficient tapware or retrofit old tapware with aerators or flow control valves.