Find the hidden money leaks inside your home

Most of us know when we're running the tap or taking a shower. But the real water savings? They're happening behind the scenes, in everyday appliances and hidden habits that quietly drain thousands of litres and hundreds of dollars from your household every year.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average household uses 175–200 litres of water per person daily, with nearly 50% used indoors (ABS Water Account, Australia 2021–22). The good news: you can dramatically cut that usage with just a few strategic upgrades.

Where your money's really going and how to get it back

Toilets: Old single-flush toilets use up to 12 litres per flush. Upgrade to a modern dual-flush (3.5 litres), and you'll slash water use by more than two-thirds. Annual savings: significant.

Showers: Standard showerheads use about 9 litres per minute older models use 18 litres. A 10-minute shower can exceed 150 litres. Switch to a low-flow head and cut your shower time to 4 minutes, and you'll see real dollar savings every quarter.

Dishwashers and washing machines: Older models use 40–50 litres per cycle. Newer 4–5-star WELS rated appliances use less than half that, paying for themselves through lower bills.

Hidden leaks: One in 20 homes has an undetected leak (Sydney Water estimate). Some waste hundreds of litres daily. Find them fast, and you'll stop throwing away $200–$300 annually.

Simple ways to find your savings

1. Do the overnight meter test: Check your water meter before bed and again in the morning. If it's moved and you haven't used water, you've got a leak and a golden opportunity to save.

   
   

2. Upgrade strategically: Replace old appliances and fittings with WELS 4-star or higher models. They cost less to run from day one.

   
   

3. Make quick habit changes: Shorter showers, full loads in appliances, flow restrictors on taps all free or low-cost changes that add up fast.

   
   

4. Check regularly: A quick monthly check of taps, toilets, and appliances catches problems before they get expensive.

Your savings, Australia's resilience

When you save water, you're not just protecting your budget you're helping build a more resilient Australia. Every household that takes these simple actions contributes to a stronger, more sustainable water future for everyone.

Start today: Pick one thing from this list and do it this week. Your next water bill will show you why it matters.

References

• Australian Bureau of Statistics. Water Account, Australia 2021–22. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/environment/environmental-accounts/water-account-australia

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Water Efficiency – Household Tips. https://www.energy.gov.au/households/water-efficiency

• Sydney Water. Fixing Leaks Saves Water and Money. https://www.sydneywater.com.au/waterwise/fixing-leaks.html

• Smart Approved WaterMark. Indoor Water Use in Australia. https://www.smartwatermark.org