With much of the conversation around climate change focusing on carbon emissions and energy use and given the woefully wet weather we’ve been having lately, it’s easy to assume water is the least of our environmental worries.
In reality, parts of the UK are already under ‘serious water stress’, according to the Environment Agency, and demand is set to rise, meaning efficiency needs to be improved.
Ways to save water
To mark Water Saving Week (May 17 -21), every household can help ensure not a drop is wasted, and in doing so you’ll be saving money too…
1. Have a shower instead of a bath
Drawing a bath uses, on average, 80 litres of water, while a four-minute shower uses around 48 litres. If you must have a bath, don’t fill the tub all the way to the top – each extra inch equates to about five litres of water.
2. Install an efficient showerhead
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Regular showerheads pump out around 12 litres of water a minute, and some power showers can actually use even more water than baths (if you tend to take long showers). Installing a eco shower head can cut water use in half.
3. Use dry shampoo
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Another way to cut down on shower time? Skip the hair washing and use dry shampoo to refresh your roots instead. Hold the can 30cm away, spray into your roots and leave for one minute to let the powder soak up any oiliness. Brush through your hair and it’ll feel good as new.
4. Don’t pre-rinse your dishes
If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher, there’s no need to rinse plates and utensils before putting them in. All you need to do is scrape off any excess food then stack as usual – they’ll be just as clean when you unload.
5. Water plants carefully
To prevent water evaporating during the day, only water outdoor plants in the morning or at night, and make sure to aim the water at the soil so it reaches the roots instead of being lost on leaves.
6. Turn off taps
It may sound obvious, but many of us are guilty of letting water that could be better used elsewhere, run down the drain.
If you’re always waiting for the water to run cold before filling a glass, why not fill a jug and keep it in the fridge so it’s always chilled and ready to drink? Or, in the bathroom, fill a small bowl (not the whole sink) when shaving so you don’t have to leave the water running.
7. Add a CDD to your loo
A cistern displacement device or CDD reduces the amount of water used to flush your loo by taking up space in the cistern, and can save around three litres with each flush. Many water companies provide these for free or you can buy them cheaply on sites like Amazon.
8. Get a water butt
Make the most of soggy weather with a water butt, which collects rainwater so you can use it to feed your garden. Depending on how much outdoor space you’ve got, you could collect up to 350 litres of rain. And it doesn’t have to be an eyesore – these days you can get some very aesthetically pleasing water butts.
Best-selling water butts
Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!
- Water exit tap
- Lockable lid
- 4 part stand and downpipe filler kit
- LARGE 210 LITRES WATER BUTT RAIN SAVER: Our water butt is a great way to collect water for your garden. Recovery and storage of large quantities in this 210L capacity of rain water is a great way to...
- SIZE DIMENSIONS WATER BUTT: H97cm x W57cm x D57cm, Stand - L40.5cm x W40.5cm x H30.5cm Approx
- COMPLETE WITH COMPONENTS: This water butt is ready to use with everything you need to start saving rain water. Our great value kit features a tap, downpipe filler kit and handy stand to help you place...
- 2 x 100 LITRE RAIN SAVER WATER BUTTS - These are 2 water butts (100 litres each) - Our black water butts are a great way to collect water for your garden. Recovery and storage of large quantities of...
- GREAT FOR THE DECKING AREA: Ideal for use in smaller gardens or decking areas where space may be limited, the handy stand allows you to place the water but in a convenient place.
- COMPLETE WITH 2 STANDS & 2 SETS OF COMPONENTS: The stand raises the water butt to make it easier to fit a watering can under the tap to facilitate filling, whilst the Rain Diverter Kit channels...
- 210LT WATER BUTT & LID GN325
Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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