Every drop counts: how the Taylor family keeps water wisdom flowing at home

Every drop counts: how the Taylor family keeps water wisdom flowing at home

At the Taylor household in Hobart, the morning routine is a lively mix of laughter, toast crumbs and toothbrush reminders. 

“Turn the tap off while brushing our teeth!” calls out Molly, 8, doing her bit to keep the family on track.

For radio host Andy “Tubes” Taylor and his partner Erin, water conservation isn’t about grand gestures - it’s about everyday choices that add up. 

“Being conscious every time we turn the tap on,” says Tubes, “that’s where it starts.”

The Taylors’ approach is practical and grounded. Showers are short and fitted with low-flow heads. The dishwasher only runs when it’s full, and the washing machine waits for a proper load before humming to life. 

Erin, who describes herself as “a bit allergic to waste,” laughs: “We hate waste generally, and that includes water.”

Outdoors, the Taylors water the garden in the cool of the evening to reduce evaporation, and Tubes has a bucket and hose nozzle ready for car washing duties. In winter, the sprinklers take a break - “the lawn gets what it needs from the rain,” he says.

Tubes even keeps an eye on the family’s TasWater bill, tracking usage from year to year.

“It’s a good reality check and we’re good at keeping our usage under control,” he says. “To have clean, drinkable water on tap - it’s something Tasmanians should really value and not take for granted.” He’s quick to report any leaks he spots around Hobart too.

For Molly and her little brother Ray, 6, these habits are already second nature. “We can’t live without water,” Molly says simply - a lesson that sticks when parents lead by example.

Whether it’s using eco cycles on appliances, half-flush buttons, or reusing leftover water on plants, the Taylors show that small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference when it comes to how we Save Our Thing.

As Tubes puts it, “If everyone does their bit, we protect one of Tasmania’s greatest assets.”

Watch the video to discover how the Taylor family do their bit to save water around their home.