Every time you flush the toilet, it uses from 1.5 to 7 gal. of water. In some places in the western world, it's estimated that around a third of all water consumed in the average home is used by the toilet.

One of the easiest ways to save money and our precious water resources is the displacement method. This simply consists of a bag or bottle filled with water and placed in the cistern. You can easily save a litre (quart) per flush by using this method. Just be careful to place the displacement contain or bag in such a way that it doesn't interfere with the flushing mechanism.

In some old Australian toilets, I've seen rocks used to act as displacers :).

By saving just a litre each flush, the average family can reduce water consumption by thousands of gallons a year!

Another common problem with toilets are small leaks from the cistern into the bowl that you may not notice which can account for thousands gallons of extra water per year. Listen for your toilet refilling between uses or try sprinkling pepper around the wall area towards the back of the bowl - if water is leaking, you'll see a trail.

Have added tips on saving toilet water? Please add them below :)