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Last Updated: Thursday, 23 November 2023 13:38
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Our region is in the grips of drought and we need to all work together to conserve water. We are aiming to continue reducing our consumption. 

Find out below about:

 

How to estimate your daily usage

There are several ways you can estimate your daily water usage:

  • Use the usage estimates above to calculate your usage.
  • Check your water rates notice. This shows your daily water consumption for the household and compares it to the usage in the previous water rates period. 
  • Check your water meter. Information about how to read your water meter can be found in our 'Water meter' article.
  • Water Corporation have a great water usage calculator which can estimate the daily water usage for your household. This allows you to identify possible areas of improvement. Open the water use calculator.
  • Appliances that are reasonably new come with the manufacturer's product information which will tell you how much water they use.

By checking your water consumption monthly you can help reduce the amount of water consumed in our region and quickly detect any unexplained increases in water use that may indicate a leak. Read more about water leaks here.

 

How much water ordinary activities use

To help you reduce your water consumption we have listed the amount of water used when performing everyday activities around the home. You can use these figures to calculate how much water you and your family are using, and plan how to reduce your consumption.

Toilet:

  • dual flush - 3 litres per half flush, 6 or 4.5 litres per full flush (depending on the toilet)
  • single flush only - 11 litres per flush

Shower: 6 to 11 litres per minute

Bath: 120 litres per filled bath

Brushing teeth:

  • with water running - 3 litres per minute
  • with a cup - 0.5 litre per person

Shaving:

  • with water running - 3 litres per minute
  • with a cup - 0.5 litre per person

Washing hands with water running: 3 litres per minute

Cleaning showers:

  • with the shower running - 6 to 11 litres per minute
  • with a bucket - 9 litres per filled bucket

Washing dishes:

  • by hand - 15 litres per half-filled sink
  • dishwasher - 7 litres per load (5 star WELS rated), older dishwashers can use up to 25 litres per load

Drinking: 2 litres per person per day

Washing clothes:

  • by hand - 22 litres per half-filled laundry trough
  • washing machine e.g. 6kg load capacity - 30 litres per load (6 star WELS rated), 88 litres per load (3 star WELS rated), older machines up to 180 litres per load

Washing outdoors, including pets, furniture, car:

  • using running hose - 15 litres per minute
  • using a filled bucket - 9 litres per bucket

Watering gardens:

  • with a hose - 15 litres per minute
  • with a sprinkler - 9–15 litres per minute

Hosing driveways / pavements: 15 litres per minute

Topping up pool / spa / water features: 15 litres per minute

 

The figures above were collected from the Queensland Government Department of Energy and Water Supply. Figures quoted are approximate.

 

Water-saving tips

We have a collection of water tips to help you save water at home and at work: