How much water do you use?
How much water do you use around your home?
The following is a simple test anyone can do at their home to check the amount of water each fixture uses per minute.
For example, many water efficient products are rated against the Australian Standard and measured in litres per minute (ltr/min). However the mains water pressure (gravity feed from the large water reservoirs) will also influence the end water rate if the product is not capable of being adjusted.
How much water does your shower use?
(This test can be used for all inside and outdoor fixtures including showers, kitchen mixer taps etc.)
You will need a large bucket (10 litres) and a stopwatch (counts in seconds)
Fill the bucket using a 1 litre measuring jug - mark the outside of the bucket each time you add a litre to the bucket.
Step 1.
Turn a cold water tap fully on
Step 2.
Hold the graduated bucket under the cold water for 20 seconds. Then remove the bucket and turn off the water.
Step 3.
Measure the amount of water in the bucket and multiply by 3. This will give you the litres per minute rate for that fixture.
For example: If you held the bucket under the shower for 20 seconds, and the bucket filled up with water to the 8 litres mark - your shower rose uses 24 litres per minute (8 litres x 3 = 24)
Use this test to check how water efficient your 'water saving' devices are around your home.