Although the threat of Day Zero may feel like a distant memory, South Africa’s water crisis is far from over. With average daily consumption sitting at 218 litres per person, which is well above the global average, reducing household demand remains critical. One of the best ways to save water starts at home: by understanding how much water our everyday appliances consume.

Water use per appliance

Washing machines are one of the biggest culprits in residential water usage, accounting for a staggering 23% of household water consumption. Depending on the model, the difference in water use per cycle can be dramatic.

Beyond the laundry room, the following common appliances and activities show how quickly litres can add up:

Showering

Standard showers: 15 litres per minute

Electric showers: 6 litres per minute

A 10-minute standard shower can use 150 litres.

Bathing

A full bath uses around 80 litres

Toilets

Modern dual-flush: 4–6 litres per flush

Older models: Up to 13 litres

Leaking toilets can waste up to 400 litres per day

Dishwashers

New models: 14 litres per cycle

On eco mode: As little as 10 litres

Washing dishes by hand

Running tap: 9 litres per minute

Using a basin: 8 litres per wash

Car washes

Hosepipe: Up to 300 litres per wash

Bucket: 30 litres

Statistics

According to a 2024 GCIS report on water and sanitation, South Africa is ranked among the 30 most water-scarce countries globally. South Africa sees an average daily water usage of 218 litres per person, far above the international benchmark of 173 litres.

For those serious about conservation, one can do a simple water meter test: compare readings before and after using a specific appliance. To do this successfully, ensure that no other water use is in between.

You can also try tweaking your daily routines. Small changes, like switching appliances and fixing leaks, can result in significant savings.

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