Understanding your water use
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A good understanding of how your business uses water is the first step in reducing water use.
Creating a water balance that outlines where and when water is used helps to identify water saving opportunities and where to prioritise water efficiency actions. Having a clear understanding of your water use also allows you to identify unusual patterns of water use, such as a leak, saving you significant water usage and sewerage charges.
Even a small reduction in water use can lead in significant savings for your business. We have put together a case study which shows the savings you can make simply reducing your water use by 10%. Read case study
Below we have listed the four key steps to help your business start saving.
1. Get a waterwise auditor to complete a water audit
A water audit will assist you to identify all uses of water in a facility, determine whether each component is using water efficiently and identify ways to reduce water use.
We endorse a number of Waterwise Water Auditors who have been trained to assist you to complete a comprehensive water audit of your site.
 | Find a waterwise water auditor |
2. Implement a water saving plan
Once you have a clear understanding of how you use water, a water saving plan will help you to identify inefficiencies and potential water savings, prepare an action plan and establish a dedicated team to implement water saving actions. The plan also provides a process for reporting on implementation of your water saving actions.
 | Download your water saving plan |
3. Monitor and record your water use
Read your water meter/s regularly to identify any changes in water use over time which can act as a trigger for maintenance.
Installing sub-meters can help to get the most out of your monitoring program by identifying exactly where water is being used allowing you to monitor primary water using areas and tailor water efficiency initiatives to ensure you get the best bang for your water efficiency spend.
Sub-metering can also assist with leak detection and repair. Regular monitoring will detect any unusual water use which would trigger maintenance. Having sub-meters in place can assist to pinpoint the location of a suspected leak much faster, saving time and money.
 | Download your meter reading template |
4. Check for leaks
Read your meter last thing in the evening and if possible turn off any water using systems, such as irrigation overnight or if you have processes that require water overnight, make a note of these and the expected water use. Read your meter again first thing in the morning. If you have any unexplained water use, this may be a leak and worth further investigating
To read your meter read the black numbers from left to right. The black numbers represent the kilolitres and the red numbers represent litres.
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Find a waterwise plumber with leak detection services |
| | Read our leak detection brochure |
