MEDIA RELEASE
2 December, 2010	Embargo: 11.30 am (AEDT)	154/2010

In 2009, Perth households with incomes over $110,000 a year were most likely to have dual-flush toilets, low flow showers and front loading washing machines, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Since 2006 there has been a substantial increase in the uptake of water-saving fixtures and appliances in Perth homes. Uptake has been highest in separate dwellings, owner-occupied dwellings, households with three or more persons as well as those with higher incomes and in areas of least socio-economic disadvantage.

Notably, 66% of households in owner-occupied dwellings had a low-flow shower, compared with only 46% of those in rental homes. Similarly, 42% of households in areas of least disadvantage had front-loading washing machines compared with 24% of households in areas of most disadvantage .

On the other hand, households with water-saving devices such as these were more likely to have gardens and lawns, currently responsible for approximately half of all scheme water use in Perth homes.

The feature article in today's release of Western Australian Statistical Indicators, 2010 (cat. no. 1367.5) provides an analysis of the water choices made by different household types, which may be used to inform policy on creating a sustainable water supply for Perth.

Media note: When reporting ABS data you must attribute the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or the ABS) as the source.