Toilets use a lot of water and the water we flush away is usually valuable tap water. Switching to a more water-efficient toilet will make a big difference to your personal water use and will help protect our future water supplies.
Water-efficient toilets do the same job as inefficient toilets but use much less water. Older model toilets can use up to 12 litres of water per flush, whereas dual-flush toilets use only 3 litres on a half-flush.
New toilets must have a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) star rating to show how water-efficient they are. The more stars the more water efficient. Aim for a toilet with a minimum 3-star rating.
There are also 5-star models that re-use water from a hand washing basin. The hand basin sits on top of the cistern and the water you wash your hands with is then used to flush your toilet.Work out your requirements
- Check if you are eligible for rebates or assistance to install a water-efficient toilet. You may also be eligible for assistance from your local water authority. Check for any specific conditions that may make certain systems ineligible for financial assistance.
- Work out the best toilet for you. Consider the water-efficiency rating, whether you will replace the whole toilet or just the cistern or flushing mechanism and if you want to use rainwater or treated greywater to flush the toilet.
- Consider a low impact toilet (composting toilet) as an alternative. These toilets are particularly good for replacing septic tank systems in water-scarce areas. Many of the new composting toilets are elegantly designed, and when working well and correctly maintained, do not have any unpleasant odours.
- Use the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme website product search (search under lavatory equipment) to compare the efficiency and flow rate of different toilets before you buy a new one.
Get a range of quotes
- Get information and advice from more than one source. Talk to several suppliers or manufacturers about your options before you commit to buying a new toilet.
- You may need a licensed plumber to install your new toilet. If so, talk to your plumber first to make sure that you get a toilet that's suitable for plumbing into your home.
- Ask suppliers about any additional costs such as new fittings, particularly if you will be using greywater or rainwater to flush the toilet.
- Check the warranties for different toilets as these can vary greatly.
Get your new toilet installed
- Once you have chosen your toilet, your plumber will install it. Ask your plumber if there are any special maintenance requirements for the new toilet.
