Showers
Showers are the biggest water user at home. Swap to a modern 4-Star WELS showerhead using ~7–9 L/min (older heads can use 15–20 L/min).
- Keep showers short — set a 4–minute goal.
- Fix drips; a slow leak can waste thousands of litres a year.
- Choose models that maintain comfort at lower flow.
Toilets
Older single-flush toilets can use ~11 L per flush. A modern dual-flush (4-Star WELS) uses 4.5 L (full) / 3 L (half).
- Prefer the half flush whenever possible.
- Replace perished inlet/outlet seals to prevent silent leaks.
- When renovating, specify 4-Star WELS pans and cisterns.
Washing Machines
Choose a front-loader with at least a 4-Star WELS water rating. Typical use: ~60–70 L per load (older top-loaders can exceed 120 L).
- Run full loads and use Eco cycles.
- Cold wash when possible to save energy too.
- Clean filters; a well-maintained washer uses less.
Target: ≤ 70 L per standard cycle
Tapware (WELS-Rated)
Right-sizing flow saves water without hurting usability. Use these targets when buying or specifying:
| Location | Recommended Flow | WELS Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bathroom basin | ≤ 6 L/min | 4★ |
| Kitchen sink | ≤ 7.5 L/min | 3★–4★ |
| Laundry trough | ≤ 7.5 L/min | 3★–4★ |
| Shower mixer | ≤ 9 L/min | 4★ |
| Outdoor tap | Add a trigger nozzle | — |
Irrigation & Outdoor
Outdoor watering drives peak demand. Water smarter to protect the aquifer year-round:
- Install smart irrigation timers with rain or soil-moisture sensors.
- Water early morning or after sunset to reduce evaporation.
- Use drip irrigation for garden beds; avoid overspray.
- Hydrozone plants by water need; choose native/drought-tolerant species.
- Maintain 5–10 cm mulch to lock in soil moisture.
About Our Water Source
Our drinking water is drawn from the Leederville–Parmelia Aquifer via a production bore
(depth ~276 m) and treated locally before distribution.
- Confined aquifer: Protected by natural clay/shale layers.
- Local treatment: Filtration and disinfection to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- Your role: Every litre saved is one less taken from the aquifer.
Protect the source beneath our feet
Simple Daily Habits
- Turn taps off while brushing or shaving.
- Fix leaks promptly; check your meter for overnight flow.
- Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge — avoid running the tap.
- Sweep hard surfaces instead of hosing.