Lois and her family decided to retrofit their house to use less water, be kinder to the environment and, as a bonus, to save money – and she’s been surprised at the results.”
“Ed, myself and the kids Spike and Rata are relatively careful water users, although my husband takes long showers and the kids have baths several times a week.”
“We were completely surprised at how much difference our new water efficient washing machine and toilet made to our water bills.”
“We now are a very efficient 90 litre per person per day household, with just these two appliances cutting around 50 litres per person per day off our water use. Based on the cost of our water bills, the new toilet at $299 will have paid for itself in only a couple of years.”
“We put in a low flow showerhead a few years ago when our old showerhead blew up - and we get a lot better showers out of this new one. We also have a relatively water efficient dishwasher. But the main thing I have noticed, compared to other households, is that we don't run taps much, apart from the bath. For example, we turn them off to clean our teeth.”
“All of our garden, except for the vegetables are natives suited to our climate, so it doesn't need watering at all. We only water the veggie garden in the peak summer season, and only a couple of times a week, always in the evening so the water can soak in, not evaporate.”
“Both my husband and I were surprised at the difference the new toilet made, and how cheap it was - we were replacing it anyway, and it cost no more than other models. I also didn't think I would get many cost savings out of the water efficient washing machine, so this was a really pleasant surprise as the washing machine was pretty expensive”
“Since our retrofit, both Metrowater and Watercare have announced 10% increases in water bills. Our water bill is around half the average in Auckland.”
“My husband and I have been feeling very happy about the financial aspects of the decision - it makes the warm glow of environmental responsibility even better,” says Lois.”
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