Reducing consumption is usually about eliminating waste rather than using less water where it matters. Work through it in order of cost and effort.
Start with losses
- Read the meter last thing at night and again before any water is used in the morning — movement suggests a leak
- Check toilet cisterns for a continuous trickle into the bowl
- Inspect visible pipework, taps, geyser overflows and pool backwash lines
- Investigate unexplained drops in pool or tank level
Then look at irrigation
Irrigation is frequently the largest single use on a property with a garden. Watering early in the morning, correcting run times seasonally, replacing broken heads, redirecting spray off paving and adding a rain sensor typically make a substantial difference before any redesign.
Improve fittings and habits
- Efficient shower heads and tap aerators
- Dual-flush or reduced-volume cisterns
- Running dishwashers and washing machines on full loads
- Covering the pool to limit evaporation
Then consider alternative sources
Once waste is under control, harvested rainwater or a borehole can offset irrigation and non-potable demand. Doing this before fixing leaks and irrigation waste simply means pumping more water into the same losses.
Measure it
Keep a monthly record of meter readings. Without a baseline it is impossible to tell whether a change actually worked.