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ARTICLE (detail)The Value of Water
Does your money sometimes seem to disappear down the drain? We work hard to earn it and then it's gone. Frustrating isn't it. If only we could get a bit more out of every cent… Water is a lot like money. We can get more use and value from it if we just knew how before it disappears down the drain. Doing a simple water audit can help us understand where, who and how we use incoming water. First, look at your rates notice. What litres per day do you use? How much is used inside your home? Next, grab a bucket and while under the shower measure how far it fills in one minute. If you fill a 10-litre bucket, your shower uses 10 litres per minute. A ten minute shower will therefore use 100 litres. Use this same technique with all your taps to measure how efficiently they flow and how much you use in each area. Now how can we get greater value? Firstly, target your highest uses and wastages. Then decide if you can do it passively or mechanically. The passive approach will often cost us nothing except some simple behavioural changes and imagination. They include: § Fixing or turning off dripping taps and toilets § Plugging the sink to rinse vegies or dirty dishes. A basin in the sink gives a portable option so you can tip rinse water or leftover cooking water onto your garden – doubling your value § Using a compost bin or waste bins instead of in-sink disposal units § Running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers § Insulating water pipes to receive more instant hot water in winter and cold water in summer Mechanical methods range in cost. Some so simple we'll wonder why we didn't know to install them earlier. § Simple flow regulating items fitted to kitchen, bathroom and laundry taps § Water recirculation systems that save water otherwise wasted while waiting for taps to run hot § AAA+ rated showerheads § Toilet flow controls that operate single flush units only when the button is held down offer an economical alternative instead of buying and installing dual flush toilets. If you are replacing washing machines, dishwashers or toilets consider your use and choose the most water efficient product. Retailers and plumbers are learning about efficient products and more frequently we'll see them appear on the shelves. Talk to and use those who understand the true value of water efficiency. Next month we'll look at other water flows around the home. |