Most of our drinking water is used for everyday activities like showering, flushing toilets, washing dishes and laundry.
If each of us uses less than 150 litres per day, we’ll help stop our dams from reaching critically low levels when very severe water restrictions would come into effect.
How much water do you use at home? Use our water calculator to estimate how much water you and your family use each day. Explore our tips below to discover simple ways you can save water in your everyday activities.
Calculate your water usage
Shower
3-star rated showerhead4 minute shower |
9L/minute |
Regular showerhead4 minute shower |
18L/minute |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
Running taps
With tap aerator |
5L/minute |
Non-aerated tap |
10L/minute |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
Washing up
Washing by hand |
up to 18L |
Dishwasher (1980s model) |
On average 40.5L/cycle |
Dishwasher (1993 - 1996 model) |
On average 27L/cycle |
Dishwasher (1998 or later) |
On average 18L/cycle |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
Washing machine
3-star/4A or better4 minute shower |
Up to 80L |
Under 3 stars/4A |
Up to 130L |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
Washing the car or boat
Hose washing |
180L/wash |
Bucket washing |
99L/wash |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
Running hose
Hosing the garden |
1000L/hr |
Sprinkler |
1000L/hr |
Dripper |
4L/hr |
Topping up the pool |
16.7L/minute |
Disclaimer:
This usage table is designed to give average values of typical home appliances water usage. As such, the figures may not exactly match your personal household water consumption.
