How Much Water Do You Actually Use? (and How to Cut Back)

Australia is no stranger to drought. From dried-up rivers to cracked earth, we’ve seen how precious water really is. But when you turn on the tap or flush the toilet, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture.

So how much water do you actually use every day? And more importantly, how can you reduce it without sacrificing your lifestyle?

This blog breaks down average water use, hidden water drains, and easy, non-punishing ways to use less, without feeling like you’re living in a tent with a bucket.

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How Much Water Does the Average Australian Use?

The average Australian uses around 340 litres of water per person per day.

Yep. Every. Single. Day.

Here’s the breakdown of where it goes in a typical household:

Activity	Water Used Per Person Per Day
Showers	35-65 litres
Toilets	30-50 litres
Laundry	40-70 litres
Kitchen	15-30 litres
Outdoor use (gardening, car washing, etc.)	50-100 litres+

That adds up fast. And that’s just the water you see. There’s also “invisible” water use in things like:

• The food you eat
• The clothes you wear
• The energy you consume

For example, it takes 2,400 litres of water to produce just one beef burger. Wild, right?

So How Much Water Should You Be Using?

While there’s no universal “perfect” number, experts recommend aiming for around 100–150 litres per person per day for sustainable living in Australia.

It’s not about reaching zero. It’s about being smarter with what you do use.

How to Reduce Your Water Use Without Feeling Deprived

Forget guilt. Let’s focus on realistic, low-effort changes that make a difference, without turning your daily routine upside down.

1. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Fixtures

Modern taps, toilets, and shower heads use up to 50–80% less water. And most people don’t even notice the difference in pressure.

Tip: Look for the WELS rating (Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme). The more stars, the better.

2. Cut Shower Time by Just 2 Minutes

A four-minute shower uses about 36 litres. Dropping from 6 to 4 minutes saves 18 litres per shower. Over a year, that’s over 6,500 litres per person.

Tip: Put on your favourite song and challenge yourself to be done before it ends.

3. Only Wash Full Loads (Laundry & Dishes)

A full washing machine uses the same amount of water as a half-full one. Wait until it’s full and save around 20–40 litres per load.

4. Fix Leaks, and Fast

A dripping tap can waste over 9,000 litres a year. A leaking toilet? Up to 60,000 litres. Check your meter, listen for phantom flushes, and fix anything dodgy ASAP.

5. Reuse Greywater

Use leftover shower or laundry water for your garden. You don’t need a fancy system, just a bucket or a simple diverter.

6. Rethink Your Lawn

Turf is thirsty. Native or drought-resistant plants need 80% less watering. Mulch helps retain moisture. Your garden can be beautiful and low-maintenance.

7. Swap Out Water-Heavy Foods

You don’t have to go vegan, but cutting back on red meat and processed foods can save thousands of litres per week. Choose seasonal, local produce when you can.

But I Don’t Want to Live Without Luxury

Fair enough. This isn’t about shame, it’s about awareness. Most people are surprised by how easy it is to cut back once they know where their biggest water leaks (literal and metaphorical) are.

And remember: small changes across millions of households equal a huge impact.

FAQ: All Your Water Use Questions Answered

How much water does a shower use in Australia?

A standard shower head uses 9–20 litres per minute. A water-efficient one uses 6–9 litres per minute. Multiply that by your shower length to get your personal figure.

Is handwashing dishes better than using a dishwasher?

Nope, not always. A full modern dishwasher uses as little as 12–15 litres per cycle, while hand washing can use 30–50 litres, depending on your habits.

How can I tell if I have a water leak?

• Your water meter runs even when everything’s off
• You hear dripping or running water
• There are wet patches, mould, or stains
  Call a licensed plumber if you’re unsure.

Does collecting rainwater really help?

Yes! A 5,000-litre rainwater tank can supply water for your garden, laundry, or even toilet flushing. Bonus: it reduces stormwater runoff and saves on your water bill.

Do front-loader washing machines use less water than top-loaders?

Yes. Front-loaders use about 50% less water than old-school top-loaders and they’re gentler on your clothes, too.

Is it worth switching to low-flow taps and showerheads?

Definitely. They’re cheap, easy to install, and can save thousands of litres a year. Plus, many come with pressure-boosting tech that feels just like a normal flow.

What’s the best way to water my garden efficiently?

• Water early morning or evening (less evaporation)
• Use mulch and native plants
• Drip irrigation or soaker hoses work better than sprinklers

Cutting back water use doesn’t mean cutting back on comfort. In most cases, you won’t even notice the change, except when your bill goes down.

And in a country like Australia, every drop really does count.