Water-Saving Solution

BEING WATER-WISE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY AS WELL AS OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE

Blisteringly hot and dry summers have become all too common in Australia, with one of the nation’s most valuable resources pushed to the brink. Water is vital to our survival, yet it continues to be treated as an expendable commodity; the average household uses 180,000L of water per year.

As the population continues to increase, water supplies are progressively under pressure. It is therefore more important than ever that Australian households incorporate water-saving solutions in their homes. We spoke to Michael Smit, national programs manager from the savewater! Alliance, about how Australian homes can incorporate water-saving systems into their building design.

RAINWATER HARVESTING

The rainwater harvesting system is one of the most popular water-saving solutions used by Australians, with 26 per cent of the population having already installed a water tank. Essentially, rainwater harvesting is the collection of water that  floows from the roofs of buildings, which is then stored for later use.

The benefits are plentiful as rainwater is a free water supply unaffected by water restrictions and it falls right where you need it. Many modern homes currently utilise rainwater harvesting systems for basic appliances such as washing machines, garden watering and  fluushing toilets. The water is often good enough to drink, with more than two million Australians drinking rainwater every day.

A tank can save up to 90,000L each year, almost half the average household consumption. This, in turn, can also mean some great  financial savings to the household budget. The amount of water saved largely depends on a few factors including climate, design and usage. As the system relies on rainfall, it is most suited to areas which experience frequent and consistent rainfall such as Melbourne and Sydney.

Design also plays an important role when it comes to water collection. “Most people think about the rainwater tank, but the best outcomes are achieved if you think about the entire rainwater harvesting system including the roof, gutters, downpipes, occupants, tanks, pumps and the wider environment,” says Michael.

Including a tank in the initial design of your home is ideal, adds Michael, as this will ensure the system is properly connected from top to bottom. Although roof area and the size of the tank need to be considered, the most important factor for rainwater yield is the number of connected appliances; a 1000L tank can deliver more bene t than a 10,000L tank if it is connected to more appliances like toilets and washing machines. Costs associated with a rainwater harvesting system apply only to initial installation, running expenses and maintenance.

Tanks don’t have to be an unsightly addition to your home design as they can easily be stored out of sight under decks or the ground, or hidden in backyard nooks. Before installing a tank, make sure you assess the surrounding area. Clear overhanging foliage and gutters as this will dirty the water and cause blockages to water  ow into the tank.

SUPPLIERS

Polymaster is a leading supplier of rainwater tanks in Australia, with more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Polymaster provides a certified, patented, one-piece design with a 20- year warranty, giving you peace of mind that the product you purchase will stand the test of time.

With a wide range of sizes and comprehensive colour range, Polymaster has a tank and pump options that will seamlessly blend with your home while providing you with one of the best water-saving solutions around.

The company offers a fast and simple installation process to help you achieve a 6-star energy rating as quickly as possible. “Tanks are suitable for nearly every home,” says Polymaster’s national sales manager. “The water tanks are designed to hold a maximum volume of water for a minimum surface area. Rainwater tanks provide the best environmental solutions to saving water.” Polymaster offers free delivery to selected states and areas in Australia.

GREYWATER

Greywater is a clever and easy water-saving solution for those who can’t invest in a water tank. Typically, greywater is de ned as household waste water derived from the shower and laundry, which can be reused later. “Benefits are reliability of supply. Regardless of rainfall, greywater is produced from residential uses such as showering and clothes washing,” says Michael. Greywater is also unaffected by water restrictions and is therefore great for dry areas.

The volume of water you can use is dependent on your personal behaviour and climate. “A shower should reliably provide about 50L of water each day, while a top- loading washing machine will provide over 100L (front loading less than half),” says Michael. Costs vary with the quality of the greywater system in place. They range from simple, direct-diversion types for reuse on gardens, to advanced treatments for supplying water for toilets and washing machines. Investing in a good system is paramount as a low-grade system will cause damage to your garden and pose health risks. Systems must treat water within the  first 24 hours of water catchment as water will quickly go septic after this time.

If you choose to use this technique, Michael advises using water only from the shower and laundry as toilet and kitchen water is illegal and too greasy for reuse of any kind. “Prolonged exposure to greywater will reduce soil quality unless care is taken with detergents and cleaning products,” advises Michael. Choose environmentally friendly products to help ensure the water is as pure as possible. Normal washing powders often include salt “fillers” and can destroy soil quality. Instead, opt for liquid detergents. Visit GreySmart for more information.

Greywater systems are best designed during the building process of your home, or simple diversion hoses can be installed to already- complete homes.

RECYCLED WATER

A relatively new option for metropolitan suburbs, this system is known for its distinctive purple pipes which provide water within residential homes. “Recycled water is treated water from sewage treatment plants,” says Michael. The water is generally used for landscaping purposes. Bene ts of this system include the recycling of a water product, often cheap supply and reliability of supply. The system is also una ected by water restrictions and is great for dry, rural areas.

Costs incurred revolve around high infrastructure expenses for water suppliers through providing a third pipe system in addition to the existing potable water and sewage water pipework. “It’s a good option if it is available in your area,” says Michael. Actual costs for individuals involve additional plumbing costs and the water itself (approximately 50–90 per cent of the cost of potable water).