Saving water is not only great for the environment, but you could also save money too! Here are our top tips to help you save water in your home.
Changes in weather patterns mean that rainfall is becoming more irregular, resulting in increased periods of drought and the need to conserve water. Our modern lifestyles are also a contributing factor, as we increasingly use conveniences such as dishwashers and sprinkler systems. So, it’s vital that we become water wise and know what to do to conserve our water supply if we need to.
Follow our top tips to make a few simple changes to save water around your home.
Bathroom
The bathroom is where many of us waste large amounts of water. Find out how to save water in your bathroom without disrupting your daily routine.
- Take showers instead of baths
Showering uses much less water than filling up a bathtub. Aim to shower in as little time as possible (four minutes should be long enough).But if you do opt for a bath, make sure you don’t over-fill it – you can always top up the water once you get in. - Turn off your taps
Did you know that a running tap can use up to 6 ltr of water per minute*?Don’t forget to turn off the tap while you brush your teeth! Similarly, using half a sink of water to wash your face is more economical than using water from a running tap. - Check for dripping taps
A dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 ltr of water a year* so make sure you get any leaking taps fixed as soon as possible! - Use a “Save A Flush” bag
Placing a “Save A Flush” bag into your toilet cistern could save up to a litre of water every time you flush. Some water companies provide these for free, so contact your local water company for further information.
Outdoors
Do you automatically reach for the hosepipe or turn on your sprinklers when the weather starts to get warmer? Take a look at our tips to keep your garden hydrated without wasting water.
- Invest in a water butt
Invest in a water butt for an ultra-economical way of watering your garden. Water butts collect and store rainwater, so you’ll have no need to use tap water. Prices start from approximately £30 and many come complete with stands, lids and taps, making them easy to use. - Water your plants in the early morning or evening
During warm weather, try to water your garden during the early morning or late evening, when the temperature will be slightly lower. At this time of day, you’ll lose little water to evaporation. - Create a ‘drought tolerant’ garden
Choosing plants which require little water will help you keep your garden looking healthy, even during periods of drought. Your local garden centre will be able to help you choose plants which require minimal watering. - Don’t water your garden unnecessarily
Always remember to check the weather forecast before watering your garden. If rain is predicted, hold off using your watering can, hosepipe or sprinkler system. Also remember to only water plants if it’s really necessary – grass, trees and shrubs won’t usually require watering.
Kitchen
Over time, running a dishwasher and boiling a kettle can waste large amounts of water. Follow our water saving tips to reduce the amount of water you use in your kitchen.
- Use a bowl for washing vegetables
Leaving your kitchen tap running while you wash vegetables can waste a large amount of water. Instead, fill a bowl with water and use this to wash your vegetables.The same principle applies to washing your dishes. Avoid washing your pots and pans under a running tap, as this wastes water. Instead fill your sink half full of water and wash them this way. - Fill your washing machine and dishwasher
Half-filling your washing machine and dishwasher uses more water than running a full load. Make sure you wait until you have enough pots and pans or dirty laundry to fill your appliances. - Only boil as much water as you need
It’s easy to fill your kettle to the brim each time you make a cup of tea or coffee. But only boiling as much water as you need will ensure you don’t waste water and help to reduce your energy bills. And whenever you use water for cooking (e.g. to boil an egg or steam vegetables) you can use this water once cooled to give thirsty household plants a drink. - Keep a jug of water in your fridge
A simple trick to save water in the kitchen is to always store a jug or plastic bottle of drinking water in your fridge. This way you won’t have to run the tap until it’s cold when you fancy a refreshing glass of water.
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*Source: Energy Saving Trust ‘Water-saving advice’ Read our disclaimer
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