OzKit Homes Newsletter
Kit Homes & Water Usage
If you cut back on water consumption that is under your control and is your responsibility then you would be one of many Australians helping to reduce the need for massive new dams, interrupted river flows, the expansion of expensive wastewater treatment plants and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Lots of home owners now agree that water conservation is a reality that needs to be acted on, but they don’t know how to make an impact at their own home. Extensive information can be found at www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs20.php .
Obvious and fairly easy actions are to reduce wastage, like fixing that leaking tap, installing water saving showerheads and dual flush toilet cisterns. However, the greatest impact may come from people who are about to make choices in the way that their house is designed and constructed. That house will often last longer than the people that live in it, and the water management systems that are installed will give compound interest to eco sustainability.
Active and DIY type of people about to launch into kit homes could make choices that will have a solid impact for generations. So, here is a brief sample to help new kit homes approach current best practice.
Use less water inside and outside. The AAA-rated shower nozzle can save up to $100 per year on water and heating costs. One drop of water per second adds up to 12,000 liters in a year, so make sure the toilet turns right off.
Switch from big grassy areas to include native species, well mulched and blended for shade and windbreaks to reduce evaporation. Improve the soil because healthy plants use less water.
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Collect the water - that falls on your roof. Freshwater tanks can provide better quality drinking water, self-sufficiency during droughts and save dollars on water bills. They have been doing it for years, and now durable plastics allow suburban households to position flat tanks up against the walls to blend into good landscaping design. |
Re-cycle water – grey water from the washing can be diverted for garden use and with a bit of treatment can be sent back inside to flush the toilets, saving about 65 litres each day. Generally, councils allow owner built treatment systems or you can buy one off the shelf. |
If you need to put your Kit Home in the country then check out the waterless composting toilets. Composting toilets are far from being pit toilets. They range from simple twin chamber designs through to advanced systems with rotating tynes, temperature and moisture probes and electronic control systems. If they’re set up well and maintained properly, they won’t smell and look just like a bought one. See www.compostingtoilet.org
Stormwater needs to be slowed down, control it with permeable paving, pebble trenches and lots of garden areas.
All kit homes are different and water savings can be tailored to suit the occupants, the landscape and the practical council regulations that ensure all systems are safe and adequate.