High Water Usage Appliances: Where Your Water Goes
The Major Water Consumers
Garden Irrigation
In the Australian context, outdoor water use typically accounts for 40-60% of household water consumption, making it the largest water expense for many homes. With Australia's hot, dry climate, garden irrigation becomes especially water-intensive. A typical garden sprinkler can use 1,000 liters per hour, while hand-held hoses use approximately 15-20 liters per minute. During summer months, outdoor water use can double or triple compared to winter months.
Washing Machines
The average Australian household runs about 7-10 loads of laundry weekly. Older top-loading washing machines use approximately 150-180 liters per load, while front loaders use significantly less at 50-80 liters per cycle. Given Australia's energy and water rating system, many households are shifting to more efficient models, but washing machines remain a major water consumer.
Showers
With Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme, modern showerheads are restricted to a maximum flow of 9 liters per minute, though many older homes still have showerheads using 15-20 liters per minute. A typical 8-minute shower with an older showerhead can use up to 160 liters of water, making showers one of the highest indoor water users in Australian homes.
Toilets
Dual-flush toilets are now standard in most Australian homes, using approximately 3-6 liters for a half flush and 6-9 liters for a full flush. This is a significant improvement over older single-flush models that used up to 12 liters per flush. With toilets being flushed multiple times daily, they account for about 25% of indoor water usage in Australian households.
Dishwashers
The average dishwasher in Australia uses between 10-25 liters per cycle, depending on its age and efficiency rating. WELS-rated dishwashers provide clear information about water usage, with the most efficient models using as little as 6-8 liters per wash. Compared to hand washing, which can use up to 100 liters for the same amount of dishes, dishwashers are generally more water-efficient.
Pool Maintenance
Swimming pools are popular in many Australian homes and can lose significant amounts of water to evaporation in Australia's warm climate—up to 300mm per month during summer in some regions. Backwashing pool filters also uses considerable water, approximately 500-1,000 liters each time, making pool ownership a substantial contributor to water consumption.
Water Efficiency Measures
Australia has developed robust water efficiency programs in response to periodic drought conditions:
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme helps consumers identify water-efficient products
Rebate programs in various states offer incentives for water-efficient appliance upgrades
Water restrictions in many areas limit outdoor watering times and methods
Rainwater tanks have become increasingly common, with installation rebates available in some areas
Check out water efficient appliances
Reducing Water Usage
For Australian homeowners, addressing these high-usage appliances and activities can lead to significant water conservation:
Consider drought-tolerant native landscaping that requires minimal irrigation
Install rainwater tanks to capture roof runoff for garden use and potentially indoor uses (subject to local regulations)
Upgrade to front-loading washing machines with high WELS ratings
Install water-efficient shower heads and dual-flush toilets if not already present
Use pool covers to reduce evaporation losses
By making these adjustments, the average Australian household can reduce water consumption by 30-50%, resulting in substantial savings while contributing to water security in one of the world's driest inhabited continents.