Water conservation: Sustainable considerations for your bathroom makeover
Water is one of our planet’s most vital resources and is often taken for granted – especially in the bathroom. It's easy to forget just how much water we use in our daily routines, but with a few simple changes to your bathroom habits, you can make a big difference. Whether you're showering, brushing your teeth, or washing your hands, small changes can add up to significant savings for your water consumption and bills. The best part? You won't have to sacrifice comfort or convenience to make it happen.
1. Tapware
Aerated Water - The latest in water-saving technology
Installing water-efficient taps and showerheads can drastically cut water usage. Aerated water is when the showerhead mixes air with water to create larger droplets. These fixtures reduce the flow of water while maintaining pressure, giving you the same shower experience while using less water. Here are a couple of examples of products that use Aerated water to make your shower feel extra indulgent:
- Bubble Jet: Green’s new patented BubbleJET® shower has a unique spray pattern that envelops you in a warm, spa-like experience. Their patented technology draws air into the system, producing a softer stream of water, which is aerated--like bubbles!
- Satin Jet: Unlike conventional showers, Methven’s Satinjet® uses unique twin-jet technology to create optimum water droplet size and pressure, with over 300,000 droplets per second. The result is an immersive, full-body shower sensation that transforms your regular shower into an experience like no other.
- Methven Kiri II Satinjet Shower Handpiece Low Flow - Chrome
- Pulsify: Every Pulsify shower lets you use water responsibly with EcoSmart technology. Compared to the average shower, which uses an average of 15 litres per minute, Hansgrohe’s EcoSmart showers reduce water consumption by up to 40% (8 litres per minute) and EcoSmart+ showers by up to 60% (6 litres per minute)--all while maintaining the same level of comfort.
- Hansgrohe Pulsify Hand Shower 105 3 Jet Relaxation - Chrome
Don't think that aerated water has the same pressure as a regular shower head? You will have to feel it to believe it! Visit a Chesters Showroom today to experience aerated water.
CoolStart - Don’t use hot water that you don’t need.
Most people don’t realise that every time they turn on their tap mixer, they are using hot water. Regular tap mixers start in the centre position – in between the hot and cold. So when you are flicking on the tap to wash your hands, the mixer pulls from both hot and cold sources of water—even though the water doesn’t warm up by the time you’re done. That hot water is sitting in your pipes, costing money and wasting energy.
Hansgrohe CoolStart faucets only run cold water in the handle centre position. With CoolStart, your plumbing doesn’t get filled with unneeded hot water. The result: fewer resources, CO2 emissions, and lower running costs.
Shower Timers
If you’re not ready to install a water-saving showerhead, a simple timer can help you monitor and limit shower time. A timer helps reduce water usage and, in turn, lowers your utility bills.
2. Toilets – Don’t flush away your funds!
There are often reservations from customers when discussing low water usage toilet options, as there may be a perception that less water, means a less efficient flush. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! Toilet technology has significantly improved over the years, with a focus on increasing the effectiveness of the flush and cleanliness, all while lowering water usage. Our suppliers are always looking for new ways to reduce your water usage while keeping an effective flush, saving you money on your next water bill.
- Clean Flush: Developed in Australia by Caroma, it’s their most effective AND hygienic flush yet – the best of both worlds! Caroma has removed the rim of the toilet bowl, so there’s now nowhere for germs to hide. Caroma’s flush features create a precise and powerful flush stream, which also eliminates splashback, cleaning the whole bowl. All while having a low water rating!
- Twist Flush: Villeroy & Boch have created a flush with more power and less water. The Twist Flush creates a vortex effect which covers almost the entire inner bowl of the toilet for a thorough cleaning. Because of the vortex effect, each flush uses minimal water saving you up to 19,700 litres of water per year[1].
3. WELS efficiency rating
The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, commonly known as WELS, is a programme designed to encourage the use of water-efficient products. It was introduced as a collaborative effort between the New Zealand government, industry stakeholders, and consumers. By providing a standardised rating system, WELS empowers you to make informed choices about water-efficient products.
The star rating is displayed on WELS labels, typically ranging from one to six stars. A higher star rating indicates greater water efficiency, meaning the product uses less water without compromising performance. So, when you’re trying to choose between similar products, the star rating system allows you to quickly identify and compare their water efficiency. Read more about WELS in our previous blog post here.
Water conservation in the bathroom doesn’t have to mean compromising on comfort or performance. By making thoughtful choices - such as installing aerated tapware, opting for water-efficient toilets, and considering the WELS efficiency rating, you can reduce water consumption, lower utility bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. With innovative technology from brands like Methven, Hansgrohe, Caroma, and Villeroy & Boch, saving water has never been easier or more effective. Ready to make a change? Visit a Chesters showroom today to explore water-saving solutions that suit your style and needs.