Water Saving Tips
Our Water Use
Livingstone residents have traditionally been among the top water consumers in Australia, ranking within the top 10 according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s National Performance Report for Water Utilities. As of December 2023, average household consumption reached over 100 kilolitres per household, a substantial increase from the previous average of around 70 kilolitres.
This increased usage has resulted in higher water bills for many households, a trend that Livingstone Shire Council is monitoring closely.
By making mindful adjustments to our daily routines, we can collectively reduce our consumption, preserving our water resources and managing costs more effectively.
Saving Water
There are many simple things you can do in your home and garden to save water:
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Activity
Litres (L) used
Tip
Shower
Standard showerhead
Almost 15 to 25 litres per minute
Limit showers to four minutes or less to save water and energy. A quarter of electricity used in a home is used to heat water.
A three-star rated water efficient showerhead
6 to 7 litres per minute
Bath
Half full
80 litres average
Never overfill your bath. Only use the necessary amount. Check your plug for leaks.
Full
140 litres average
Toilet
Single flush toilet
Up to 12 litres of water in one flush
Use the half-flush button when appropriate. Only flush the three Ps. Flushing rubbing wastes water and can block your pipes.
Dual flush toilet (Half flush)
3 litres
Dual flush toilet (Full flush)
6 litres
Brushing teeth
With tap running
5 litres per minute
Always turn the tap off when brushing your teeth to save water. Use a glass of water for rinsing.
With tap turned off
1 litre per minute
Washing dishes
Washing by hand (one meal)
Up to 18 litres
Avoid rinsing before washing. Scrape food remains into a compost or garbage bin. Ensure your dishwasher is full.
Old dishwasher
40.5 litres
3-star rated machine
18 litres
Washing clothes
Top loader
130 litres per cycle
Wash only full loads and use the economy cycle if you have one.
Front loader
50 litres per cycle
Leaks from taps and pipes
Dripping tap
27 – 198 litres a day
Regularly check your taps, hoses and pipes for leaks. A leak that goes undetected will not only waste our H2O, but your money as well.
Leaking pipe (1.5mm hole)
99 litres a day
Leaks from toilet cisterns
Slow, barely visible leak
9 litres a day
Regularly check your toilet for leaks to save water and money.
Visible leak in toilet pan water
36 litres a day
Visible, just audible
144 litres a day
Quite visible, constant refilling hiss
261 litres a day
* All figures are provided as an estimate
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Activity
Litres (L) used
Tip
Garden
Sprinkler
1000 litres per hour
Don’t water in the heat of the day between 10am and 4pm. The water will evaporate.
Watering the garden with a hose
600-900 litres per hour
Hosing the driveway
75 litres per 5 minutes
Swimming pool
Filling up a swimming pool
Up to 54,000 litres
Use a swimming pool cover to reduce evaporative losses. You could save between 11,000 – 30,000 litres of water a year.
Washing the car
Hose washing
180 litres a wash
Wash your car on the grass using a trigger or twist nozzle and a bucket. Your lawn will be greener and you’ll use less water.
Bucket washing
99 litres a wash
Leaks from taps and pipes
Dripping tap
27 – 198 litres a day
Regularly check your taps, hoses and pipes for leaks. A leak that goes undetected will not only waste our H2O, but your money as well.
Leaking pipe (1.5mm hole)
99 litres a day
* All figures are provided as an estimate
Useful links
Learn how to keep track of your water usage and what to do if your bill is higher than usual: