Water Corporation of WA – Conduct a basic water audit
A clear understanding of your water use will help to identify unexpected patterns such as leaks or faulty fixtures.
To make sure you know where water is being used at your site, follow these steps to complete a simple water audit.
1. Monitor and record your water use
Read your meter daily for one week each season and record the readings to understand how and when your site uses water. Establishing water use patterns over time will make it easy to identify spikes in your water use that need to be investigated.
How to read your meter
Read your meter by recording the black (kilolitres) and red (litres) numbers from left to right, at approximately the same time each day
Calculate daily water use by deducting the previous meter reading from the current reading.
You may wish to consider additional morning and night meter readings if you are concerned about persistent leaks.
2. Check water using appliances
Identify all water using devices and processes in your site and check regularly. It will help you detect leaks and faulty fixtures early on and repair as soon as possible to minimise water loss.
Look for:
Taps and showers – worn washers, leaking fixtures
Toilets and urinals – stuck or worn float valves
Dishwashers and glasswashers – leaking unit, taps or plumbing
Reticulation
Plant and equipment – identify wherever water is used at your site and regularly inspect
Are your appliances water efficient?
Investing in water efficient appliances will also go a long way in helping you reduce water use. Check the recommended WELS ratings for your appliances and fixtures
3. Document your water management plan
This will enable you to revisit your intentions on a regular basis, and keeps the importance of good water stewardship on the agenda. Share your plans with us so we can help others who are looking for inspiration.