Install a dual flush 6/3 litre toilet cistern and pan. This is an easy way to save water (and money). Without changing your flush frequency, you can reduce the amount of water used in your toilet by up to 70%.

If you can't retrofit a new toilet system in your bathroom, try filling a couple of plastic one litre fruit or soft drink bottles with water (or sand), close the lid and then carefully place them in the cistern compartment, but be careful not to place them where they might interfere with the working parts of the cistern.

Only flush as much as you need to, so dispose of wrappers and tissues in the bin.

Check for leaks! This is a very common problem and can waste thousands of litres of water every year. It also wastes your dollars! To check for leaks, put some food colouring in the cistern and, without flushing, watch to see if the colour appears in the bowl after about 15 minutes. If it does, you need to have the cistern repaired ASAP, to save yourself water and money. Maybe you could think about updating to the 6/3 litre dual flush system instead of repairing your old leaking system?