plumbing

As New Zealand’s largest, water conservation is an important issue for Auckland homeowners. With the region’s population continuing to grow rapidly, saving water at home is one of the best ways Aucklanders can reduce strain on water supply and wastewater systems. Implementing water-wise habits and upgrades in your home also cuts utility bills and protects the environment. This article provides 10 straightforward tips that Auckland families can start using right away to reduce indoor and outdoor water usage.

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures

Replacing aging, inefficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets with WaterCare-labeled models can significantly cut both water and energy usage in your home. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators reduce flow while maintaining pressure. Dual-flush toilets dramatically decrease the amount of water used per flush.

Fix Leaks Promptly

Dripping taps and running toilets leak incredible amounts of water over time. Stay vigilant in listening and looking for leaks and repair them promptly. This both conserves water and prevents damage.

Take Shorter Showers

Kiwis love a good, long shower, but cutting just a few minutes off your shower time conserves many liters of hot water. Time your showers or install a waterproof timer as a friendly reminder.

Reduce Toilet Flushing

If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Follow the old campground saying and only flush solids down your toilet to conserve water. Just be sure to give your toilet bowl regular scrubs to keep it fresh.

Reuse Greywater where Possible

Using drained dishwater, laundry machine water or collected shower water to hand-water gardens cuts back on outdoor watering needs. Just take care to use biodegradable soaps.

Install Water Tanks

Adding rainwater collection tanks or bladders provides a free source of water for irrigating landscapes. With Auckland’s high annual rainfall, water tanks offer big savings. Link tanks into laundry connections for even more savings.

Use Drought-Tolerant Landscaping

Replacing water-hungry grass lawns and exotic plants with native New Zealand flora that thrive in Auckland’s dry summers cuts back or even eliminates irrigation needs significantly. Best of all, natives attract native birds!

Mulch Garden Beds

Applying 5-10 centimeters of organic mulch material around garden plantings and trees preserves soil moisture dramatically by preventing evaporation and runoff. Recycling yard waste back into the garden by composting leaves or grass clippings is a sustainable way to make your own free mulch.

Water Wisely

When watering by hose is necessary, doing so early in the morning or later in the evening prevents waste through evaporation. Watering only when truly needed encourages healthier, deeper root growth as well. Invest in an inexpensive moisture meter to gain insight into when plants truly need supplementation.

Wash Full Loads

Run dishwasher and washing machine cycles only when full. Adjusting water levels to match load sizes also prevents wasteful water use. Scrape rather than rinse dishes before loading for further savings.

Final words

Implementing any of these handy water-saving suggestions in your Auckland home cuts water usage, utility bills and environmental impact. Protecting New Zealand’s liquid taonga (treasure) starts at home. Every changed habit and upgraded fixture contribute toward a more sustainable future.