Save water, save money

Published on 10 November 2026

Looking for ways to reduce your water bill? Hot weather, spending more time at home and outdoor activities can all increase water use and lead to higher bills. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to save water and money. Here are our tips. 

Water use indoors

We often use more water than we realise in the kitchen. When washing dishes or preparing food, try:

• collecting water as you’re running the tap waiting for it to cool down or heat up – this water can be reused to water plants, fill pet water dishes, or keep it in a bottle in the fridge for drinking water
• use the dishwasher rather than handwashing – dishwashers often use less water
• scrape rather than rinse your dishes before using the dishwasher.

To save water in the bathroom, try:

• taking a shower in 4 minutes or less
• turn off the tap while you’re soaping up your hands, shaving or brushing your teeth
• use the half flush button on your toilet where possible.

When doing laundry, try:

• only washing with full loads
• use the washing machine’s greywater on your lawn or garden.

If your taps, shower head, washing machine or dishwasher are due for a replacement, make sure to choose something water efficient that has water rating of at least 3 stars. 

Water use outdoors

During hot weather, we often use more water outdoors. To save water here, try:

• sweeping instead of hosing off outdoor areas – if you need to use water, fill a bucket
• when using a hose, use a trigger nozzle and turn it off at the tap after use so it does not leak
• water your garden or lawn at the coolest point in the day so you reduce evaporation
• put any storms to use and collect rainwater for watering the garden.

If you’re lucky enough to have a pool, remember to:

• use a pool cover or shade sail to reduce evaporation
• carry out regular maintenance and check for leaks.

For more waterwise tips, for both indoors and outdoors, visit Waterwise home. 

Checking for concealed leaks

If you’ve received a high water bill, and haven’t changed your water use, you might have a concealed leak. A concealed leak can be in your underground pipes so can go unnoticed for a long time. But you can follow some simple steps to check for a concealed leak by turning off all water taps, recording the water meter reading and then returning to the water meter after one hour to see if it has changed.

For more advice, visit Concealed leaks. 

What to do if you need help with your bill

If you receive a high bill or are worried about affording your water bills, the best thing you can do is get in touch with your provider to discuss the options available such as payment plans or extensions. 

How we can help

If you’ve contacted your water provider for support or have made a complaint to them and are not happy with the outcome, contact us to make a complaint. We provide a free, fair and independent dispute resolution service for unresolved complaints with water providers in South East Queensland.

If you’re outside of South East Queensland, please contact the Queensland Ombudsman.