Suppliers of Water Efficient Products and Services

Want to take a step towards saving precious water and energy? Don't know where to start?

You can start with the following suggestions...

The products and companies featured on these pages are not endorsed by the council but are a suggested starting point for you to do your own research to find a product that fits your individual household requirements. Please contact the suppliers directly for detailed information. Companies and their details featured here are subject to change without notice.

Inside the Home

Water Quality

In the Bathroom

3-star water-efficient showerheads
Want the biggest 'bang for your buck' in terms of low initial cost but good savings on your water use? Start by installing a new water-efficient showerhead. Some of the new water-efficient showerheads on the market today can save up to 50% on water and energy usage and the shower experience can be just as luxurious.

There are also products on the market which can be programmed to limit shower times. Such products can be a real water and energy saver for families.

In the Toilet

4-star water-efficient dualflush toilets
It's been more than 20 years since the first dual-flush toilet came on the market and technology has moved on yet again to help us all use a lot less water when we flush.

If you still have a really old single flush toilet it's time to consider replacing it with a dual flush to save money on your future water bills. You could save at least half the water you currently use. In fact, you could save up to 35,000 litres of water per year.

Even older dual-flush toilets can't match the water-saving performance of the new technologies available to you now. Investigate upgrading your old wasteful system today.

In the Laundry

Water-efficient front-loaders and top-loaders
Washing machines use a lot of water in their operation but now there are machines that can operate effectively with significantly less water.

Some frontload washers use up to 60 per cent less water than conventional top-load machines.

There are also top-loaders available on the market that are also high in water savings. Look for the WELS sticker on the front. The more water-efficiency stars the better for you and the planet.

In the Kitchen

Water-efficient dishwashers
Dishwashers use little water compared with other water-use appliances.

However, it is always worth considering the most water-efficient models available when making your next purchase. Some use as little as 11 litres per cycle.

Greywater recycling

Greywater is water we have used for purposes such as the laundry and bathing and may be used to flush the toilets and water the garden. Explore ways to use greywater safely with the following suppliers.

Solar Water Heating

Take more control over your household energy and water needs with solar water heating.

Solar water heating will help to reduce the effects of future electricity and water prices on your household budget. It will also relieve demands on the power system and give you some insulation against power cuts.

Much of our electricity supply is generated from fossil-fuelled power stations which pump hundreds of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the air. This accelerates climate change. When you choose a clean and renewable energy source like solar, you're not only taking over some of the production and management of your own energy supply, you're helping to reduce climate change

Waitakere City Council has adopted the Waitakere City Action Plan on Climate Change and Energy with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent by 2021. Through community consultation, you have also told us you want incentives for solar water heating and to increase the use of renewable energy. One way to achieve this is to encourage greater use of renewable energy sources, such as the sun, for hot water heating.

Benefits to You
Solar water heating:

• is non-polluting and the sun's energy is free and plentiful
  
• can provide between 50 and 75 per cent of your annual hot water needs
  
• is effective even on cloudy days
  
• helps reduce New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions
  
• can increase the re-sale value of your home.

If your current hot water cylinder is old and possibly leaking around the base, now would be a good time to investigate solar options before you replace it.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA)'s solar grant/ loan has now been raised to $1000.

Here are some guidelines on how to be eligible:

1. Choose an eligible package from one of the featured suppliers and ask for a quote for the entire cost of the system
   
2. Check on EECA's solar water heating website that your quote is below the cap for EECA assistance via grant or loan
   
3. Obtain a building consent with the help of your installer
   
4. Have your system installed and signed off for the building consent
   
5. Complete the grant claim form with your installer,attach a copy of your invoice and send it to EECA.
   

For more details on how to apply for a cash grant or loan assistance visit EECA's solar water heating website www.solar.energywise.govt.nz

Only systems supplied and installed by EECA participating companies are eligible for government financial assistance. Such systems have been tested to New Zealand standards and performance modelled.

Want to see a system already set up?

Visit the Sustainable Living Centre in Olympic Place, New Lynn. It has displays and information on solar water heating, energy efficiency, rainwater collection, organic gardening and green building and renovation.

Outside the home

Raintanks and Rain-harvesting

Did you know that you drink only 5per cent of your highly refined drinking water, yet you are paying for the other 95 per cent to be treated to the highest drinking standards, just to flush the toilet, take a shower or do your laundry?

Waitakere City Council is making it easier for you to collect your own water to use at home for drinking and non-drinking purposes, thereby reducing your water bill and also the demands placed on our mains water supply and also on wastewater and stormwater systems.

As in other countries, it is now important for those of us living in urban areas to consider installing a raintank and these come in a wide array of designs, sizes, colours and positioning. Tank water can be used for watering the garden, cleaning the house, car and dog, or you may feel that using water free from your roof would be great to use in the toilet and laundry.

Some of you may even want the option of keeping your tank water at a drinkable standard to use instead of city supply. This can really slash your water bills and help to minimise difficulties with possible water shortages, increased charges and regulations in the future.

We can help you now... Want to drink quality rainwater?

Contact us for advice and a brochure on what you need to do.

Below you will find suppliers of tanks, filters, pumps and other rain-harvesting products. Some tanks fit under houses and decks, some are skinny for tight spaces, some blend with your architecture. It's your choice!

Rectangular Kitset Garden

Water-wise Gardening

Contact details

Council Raintank Rebates

Ecodrain by Eco Industries

Want to feel really good about purchasing a raintank?

Waitakere City Council's EcoWater division will waive the building consent fee required to plumb your tank into your house system AND we'll also give you a cash rebate on the purchase of your tank (conditions apply).

Rebates are as follows: You'll need to be in quick!

Contact us for information and application forms.

Rain Harvesting Suppliers Listed from A-Z

Rainwater Tanks Study

Beacon have been working in collaboration with Waitakere City Council in finding sustainable solutions and outcomes. Recent research undertaken by Beacon was the cost of rain tanks in New Zealand.

The costs listed here show the cost as at August 2008. Council does not accept any responsibility for accuracy but thought this was useful information that residents contemplating installing a rain tank would be able to use

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Water Tank Study (Size 37K)

Leak Detection Valve

A leak detection valve is available for homeowners and plumbers. The usual retail price is $290 + GST. However, the first 50 units have a heavily discounted price of $185 inc GST. Check out the information contained below:

Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to view and print this document.  For help opening PDF files or tips on copying information see Helpful Tips.

Leak Detection Value Information (Size 858K)

Help with Plumbing Installations

These companies are familiar with installation of water-efficient products and services.