Raintank

Brisbane can be the city of plenty and not enough water. But we aren’t doing it as bad as our regional towns and communities, who have been experiencing severe drought and are in desperate need for rain. Almost two-thirds of Queensland is in drought, and the lack of water supplies affects industries, agriculture and can impact personal lifestyles.

Water is a precious resource and we often take it for granted. Being mindful of how much water we use each day is something we don’t consider, until the water supplies start to dwindle. It’s important to understand we all play a role in conserving water and ensuring we only use what we need.

Unfortunately, it can take a drought to prompt a change in the way we use water, but your plumber can help automate water conservation through a few changes around the house.

Here are 5 ways your plumber can help drought-proof your home.

1. Install a rainwater tank

Rainwater is free and collecting it in a tank can help reduce your water bill and lower your reliance on town water supplies. Of course, it has to rain in order to fill your tanks. But having a tank readily installed for when the rains do come, is a way to drought-proof your home.  Collecting this water and storing it for use to water gardens, clean cars, fill toilet cisterns and wash down the exterior of your home can ease consumption from drinkable water supplies used for personal use (ie drinking, cooking and personal hygiene)

2. Install water saving aerators

Using less water in the home makes sense, but it often requires a disciplined practice. Install water saving aerators to reduce the litres of water used through the spout. Your plumber can change the taps or add aerators to reduce the water through each spout.

3. Install dual flush toilet cisterns

Most homes should have dual flush toilet cisterns, but if you have an older, single flush toilet suite, consider changing it. Dual flush toilets are another automated way to use less water than needed when flushing a number 1 away.

4. Change over to a water-saving shower rose

There are often grumbles about the pressure of water-saving shower roses, but you can shower for twice as long in a water-saving shower than a shower rose without a restrictor. It’s well worth the investment to install a water-saving shower rose on all the showers.

5. Grey water diversion

Grey water is the waste water collected from washing machines, basins and sink wastes. This water can be re-used to water the garden. We need to be mindful of the soaps and washing powders used if the grey water is diverted. Some aren’t meant to be dispersed on gardens. If you use eco-friendly products, the grey water can be diverted. Grey water diversion may not be possible on some homes. Often a call out is needed to advise on the best diversion for your laundry set up.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your water consumption in the home, give Salmon Plumbing a call. We can help get your house better prepared for drought when water restrictions come in place.