The average family of four in New Zealand uses almost 83,000 L of water every year. Most people in New Zealand have metered water where consumption charges apply. These can add up to a significant expense over a year and prices continue to rise.

Of that average yearly consumption, 31,000 L = toilet, 25,000 L = bathing and hygiene, 13,000 = laundry, and 14,000 L for watering and other uses. To reduce water consumption there are a whole range of steps that can be taken:
 

1. Check for leaks – stop dripping taps and stop constantly running toilet systems. Turn off all water outlets, read the water meter, and check again in a couple of hours – if the reading is higher, you have a leak.
 

2. Check your water flow rate – the water runs very fast when any tap etc. is turned on. Install a flow restrictor to reduce the flow rate.
 

3. Replace old inefficient appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines with more water-efficient models.

 4. Stop rinsing dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Modern appliances will pre-rinse and clean anyway.
 

5. Update single flush toilets with dual flush or put a brick/half brick or similar in the single flush cistern. 
 

6. Don’t wash small loads in the washing machine.
 

7. Recycle greywater (water from the shower, bath, and perhaps washing machine). Greywater can be used to flush toilets and water gardens (not veggie gardens). Several recycling systems are available in New Zealand, and the savings can repay the cost in a few years.
 

8. Collect and use rainwater. To water gardens (veggie gardens), flush toilets, wash the car, and for all household uses by installing a water pump. By installing a good-sized tank eg 48,000 L a typical household can be largely free from metered water use. 
 

Both 7 and 8 require capital investment but the cost will be repaid by the savings. The price of water from the utilities company is set to rise rapidly since a lot of pipework needs upgrading throughout the country and the cost will fall on consumers.