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Consumer information
Can you afford a leaking toilet?
A few months ago a customer contacted EWON about a high water bill. In the course of investigating the complaint, the customer mentioned their toilet had been leaking. When our investigations officer outlined the possible cost of a leaking toilet (see below), the customer was shocked to learn the cost and amount of water wasted. While it wasn’t the only reason for the high bill, the leak was a contributing factor.
What leaking toilets cost
Source: www.yourhome.gov.au
| Type of leak |
Litres per hour |
Litres per year |
Cost per year* |
| Slow leak, barely visible |
0.5 |
4,400 |
$3 |
| Leak visible in bowl, no noise |
1.5 |
13,100 |
$8 |
| Visible leak, just audible |
6 |
52,600 |
$32 |
| Visible leak, constant hissing sound |
11 |
96,400 |
$58 |
| *Based on a cost of 60 cents per kL of water |
Water saving tips for toilets
Fix leaking toilets immediately. You can check for leaks by placing a couple of drops of food colouring or dye into the cistern. If colour appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, then a leak exists and the system should be repaired. A slow, barely visible leak can waste more than 4,000 litres per year. Visible, constant leaks can waste over 95,000 litres.
If you have an old or single flush toilet, replace it with a 6 litre/3 litre dual flush toilet. If you can’t repIace your single flush toilet, insert a water displacement device into your tank to save water. You can purchase these from a hardware store or you can make your own by placing a plastic bottle filled with water in the cistern. Make sure the device doesn’t obstruct the mechanism and don’t use bricks as they can crumble and stop the system working properly.
For more information: visit www.yourhome.gov.au
Utilities allowance for pensioners
The Utilities Allowance is a federal government allowance designed to help pensioners meet the costs of regular bills such as gas, electricity and water.
It is a non taxable payment and it is not subject to an income or assets test. It is available to people residing in Australia who receive the age pension, Mature Age Allowance (MAA), Partner Allowance (PA) or Widow Allowance (WA).
As of 1 January 2008, the annual rate is $53.60 per member of a couple and $107.20 for single people (or members of a couple separated by illness). It is paid in two instalments every six months.
For new applicants, qualification is determined on 20 March and 20 September each year and payable every March and September thereafter.
For more information phone Centrelink on 13 2300 or visit www.centrelink.gov.au
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