Helping Aucklanders Save Water, Money and Carbon Emissions

A collaboration between Auckland Council, Watercare, EcoMatters Environmental Trust and Mitre 10

Auckland Council and Watercare have teamed up with EcoMatters Environmental Trust and Mitre 10 to deliver a household water-saving initiative across Tāmaki Makaurau.

With a drought and climate emergency declared, the partnership aims to help Auckland meet its water-saving and emissions reduction targets, while saving households money and caring for the planet. 

EcoMatters delivers Watercare’s region-wide water advice service – home visits with personalised water-saving advice for high water users and those in hardship. EcoMatters will install approximately 100 efficient low flow showerheads in eligible homes across Auckland. Watercare will give away an additional 400 showerheads (approx.) for self-installation via partnerships and customer competitions. Mitre 10 provided the showerheads at a substantial discount to further the reach of this initiative.

Collectively, switching 500 showerheads to more efficient models could save up to 36,000 litres (L) of water per day* (72 L per household) and 13 million L over a year (26,000 L per household) – year after year! It would also save 37,000 kg CO2 (equivalent to driving from Auckland to Wellington in a medium sized petrol engine car 270 times).

Besides saving water, using an efficient showerhead decreases household energy use (less hot water) which reduces carbon emissions and saves money.

In one year, the average household could save: 

• $255** in energy and water costs 

• 26,000 L of water

• reduce carbon emissions by 74 kg CO2** 

Mitre 10 Sustainability Manager Julie Roberts says: “This initiative is a great example of the real and genuine impact we want to make. In a time of need, we try to help our communities for the better. You’ll find more ways to save water here.” 

*average household based on a 3-person home, 1 shower per day per person and an average 8-minute shower. Figures based on switching from a 12 L/minute to 9 L/min showerhead

**based on 2020 emissions factors and $0.28 per kWh and $1.555 per 1,000 L water