Spotting Leaks

Hunting out Leaks - Every Drop Counts!

If we change our habits - just a little bit we can become WATERWISE and make sure that EVERY DROP COUNTS. Its easy to be WATERWISE, it can save money and lots of ideas don’t cost anything to implement.

Fix the leaks, slow the flow and become WaterWise...

How do I know if I have a Leak?

If your water consumption habits have not changed but you feel your water charges have increased, you could have a water leak. Here’s a tip on how to check for leaks:. Bill-with-drips

When you have finished using water for the night, make sure all taps are turned off and you don’t have running toilet/s or dripping taps (a dripping tap could lose up to 200 litres of water per day).
Take a meter reading. Write down the number, both black and red. Make sure you tell other occupants of the property that you are testing for water leaks and ask them not to use any water throughout the night.
Take another water meter reading first thing the next morning. If the numbers have changed, you have a leak.
Notify your plumber as soon as possible to save you money and reduce water wastage

Depending on the volume of water lost, Wide Bay Water Corporation may adjust your water bill.
Please contact the billing staff on 4197 4128 for more details.

What if I think the water meter isn’t functioning properly?
If your water consumption is high and you don’t have a leak, you can ask to have your meter tested or re-read. Contact Wide Bay Water Corporation for further advice.

How can I slow the flow?
Fitting flow control devices to your taps is an inexpensive, simple way to reduce wasted water. Have a plumber install them where you use flowing water – the shower, basins, sinks, and the garden – and start saving water now.
How Much?
These devices can reduce flow by up to 50 per cent, saving 7-10 litres of water a minute flowing down the drain. However, as the user, you will barely notice it.

Other Benefits of Slowing the Flow
Flow reduction devices have the potential to:

Provide softer water, with less splashing

Reduce hot water bills

Minimise the annoyance of erratic water pressure when more than one tap is turned on
Can reduce water hammer – a shockwave of high pressure in the pipes when a tap is turned off suddenly

Slow the Flow Your Way
You can choose from a range of devices.

Flow regulator- A flow regulator fitted to a tap suits areas with a wide variation in mains water pressure, delivering a reduced, but even flow of water.
Aerators - An aerator is fitted to the tap nozzle. It reduces the flow and mixes air with the water stream.
Flow restrictor - A flow restrictor is also fitted to the tap, is cheaper and constrains the flow of water but is not sensitive to varying mains pressure.
Pressure limiting valves - These are fitted to the main water line into the home and control the pressure to all taps to a preset maximum, reducing water wastage and water hammer.

Every Drop Counts!

Fix a leaking tap and save up to 200 litres a day.
A water-efficient three-star shower will save the average family of four up to $200
a year in water and water heating costs.

Renovating?

Ceramic disk taps do not use conventional washers. They are more resistant to wear and tear and are less likely to leak.
Single lever taps minimise wastage by pre-selecting the hot/cold ratio.

What do you do to be Waterwise? Let Wide Bay Water Corporation know and you could win a waterwise promotional kit.
So start thinking and send your entries to wbw@widebaywater.qld.gov.au or PO Box 5499 Hervey Bay Queensland 4655.
You can also drop in to our offices Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 5.00pm at 29-31 Ellengowan Street Urangan.