Water Conservation Tips for New Zealand Homeowners

Do you ever look at your water bill and wish it were lower? Would you like to make your home more eco-friendly and reduce daily water use? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. Many New Zealanders are becoming more aware of how valuable water is - and how small changes at home can make a big difference.

In this article, we’ll share practical, easy-to-follow water conservation tips to help keep your home efficient and sustainable.

10 Water Conservation Tips for New Zealand Homeowners

Here are the most effective and realistic ways to conserve water - and why they work.

1. Fix leaks fast

Even a tiny drip adds up. One leaking tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year - that’s hundreds of buckets of clean water lost. Check taps, showerheads, and toilets regularly for leaks. A quick washer replacement or a call to a plumber could save you a surprising amount of water and money over time.

2. Install low-flow taps and showerheads

Low-flow fittings mix air with water, so pressure stays strong while using less. These fittings can cut water use by up to 50% without affecting comfort. They’re affordable, easy to install, and available at most NZ hardware stores. It’s one of the quickest upgrades for instant savings.

3. Keep showers short and purposeful

The average New Zealander uses about 8–10 litres of water per minute in the shower. Reducing shower time from eight minutes to four can save around 120 litres a day for a family of four. Try timing your shower to a single song or using a four-minute sand timer. Simple habits like these make a big impact.

4. Run full loads in appliances

Your dishwasher and washing machine use nearly the same amount of water, whether full or half-full. Waiting for a full load helps you get the most out of every litre. Use “eco” or “quick wash” settings when available - they clean effectively using less water and energy.

5. Collect rainwater for outdoor use

Rainwater harvesting systems are increasingly popular in NZ, especially in areas with water restrictions. A small tank or barrel under a downpipe can store rainwater for gardens, car washing, or outdoor cleaning. It’s free, chemical-free, and better for plants than treated tap water.

6. Mulch and care for your soil

Healthy soil retains moisture like a sponge. Add mulch made from bark, straw, or compost to keep the ground cool, reduce evaporation by up to 70%, and boost plant growth. For best results, water your garden first, then add mulch to lock in the moisture.

7. Water your garden wisely

Timing matters. The best times to water are early morning or late evening, when the sun is weaker and temperatures are lower. Water deeply a few times a week rather than lightly every day. This encourages deeper roots and makes plants more drought-resistant.

8. Group plants with similar water needs

Mixing water-loving and drought-tolerant plants leads to overwatering. Group similar species together so you can give each the right amount of water. For example, keep ferns and tropical plants in shaded, moist areas, and place natives like flax or succulents in sunnier, drier zones.

9. Sweep instead of hosing

It might be tempting to wash down driveways and patios with a hose, but that can waste hundreds of litres in minutes. Use a broom or leaf blower instead. If you need water, fill a bucket instead of running the hose continuously.

10. Upgrade to a dual-flush toilet

Older single-flush toilets can use up to 12 litres per flush. Modern dual-flush models use as little as 3 litres for a half flush and 6 litres for a full one. That’s a huge daily saving for any household. Retrofitting your toilet is simple, affordable, and pays off quickly in lower bills.

Save Water, Save Money, and Protect NZ’s Future with Oncore NZ

By following these simple tips, you can make your home more sustainable and help protect New Zealand’s precious water supply. But for larger upgrades - like installing rainwater tanks or replacing fittings - expert help ensures the best results.

At Oncore NZ, we specialise in eco-friendly home improvements, including:

• Low-flow fittings and efficient plumbing upgrades
• Rainwater collection systems
• Leak repairs and maintenance solutions that prevent water waste

Visit Oncore NZ to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can make your home smarter, greener, and more water-efficient.