Understanding Your Water Usage Estimate

Water is a precious resource, and understanding how much your household uses is the first step towards conservation. This calculator provides an estimate based on typical water consumption patterns for common appliances and habits.

Note: Water usage rates for appliances and fixtures can vary significantly based on their age, model, efficiency rating (like WELS star rating in NZ and Australia), and water pressure. The values used here are general averages.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Basic Info: Enter the number of people living in your household.
2. Bathroom: Estimate the total number of showers taken per day, average duration, and shower head type. Add the total number of baths per week and the average number of toilet flushes per person per day. Indicate if the tap is often left running unnecessarily.
3. Laundry & Dishes: Enter the number of washing machine and dishwasher loads per week, and select the type/efficiency of your appliances. Estimate how often dishes are handwashed.
4. Outdoor Watering: Select the category that best represents your typical outdoor water use for gardens or lawns. This is a very rough estimate.
5. Click "Estimate Water Usage."

Interpreting Your Results

• Estimated Daily/Monthly Usage: Shows the total estimated water consumption in Litres.
• Breakdown by Activity: Lists the approximate daily water usage attributed to each category (showers, toilets, laundry, etc.) based on your inputs and the average rates used. This helps identify high-usage areas.
• Comparison: Puts your household's usage in context with a stated local average per person (this average figure should be verified and updated from local sources like your city council).

Average Water Use Rates Used (Examples - Need Local Data)

• Shower (Standard): 12 L/min
• Shower (Low-flow): 7 L/min
• Bath: 120 L
• Toilet Flush: 6 L (modern average)
• Washing Machine (Front): 60 L/load
• Washing Machine (Top HE): 100 L/load
• Washing Machine (Top Old): 150 L/load
• Dishwasher (Efficient): 15 L/load
• Dishwasher (Older): 30 L/load
• Handwash Dishes (Often): +15 L/day
• Running Tap Habit: +8 L/person/day
• Outdoor (Approx Daily): Light +50L, Moderate +200L, Heavy +500L

These are general average estimates. For figures specific to your area and appliances, check your local water authority and product WELS/efficiency ratings.

Tips for Saving Water

• Fix Leaks Promptly: Dripping taps and leaking toilets can waste significant amounts of water.
• Shorter Showers: Aim for showers under 5 minutes.
• Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Use low-flow showerheads, tap aerators, and dual-flush toilets (check WELS ratings).
• Run Full Loads: Only run washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.
• Choose Efficient Appliances: Look for high WELS star ratings when buying new appliances.
• Turn Off Taps: Don't leave water running while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing vegetables.
• Water Garden Wisely: Water early morning or evening, use mulch, choose drought-tolerant plants, and consider rainwater harvesting or drip irrigation.
• Use a Broom: Sweep paths and driveways instead of hosing them down.