How to conserve water

The average person uses around 140 litres of water a day. But huge water deficits are on track to occur by the 2080s - so we need to start cutting down.

Water conservation means using water wisely and not contributing to unnecessary wastage.

Top reasons to conserve water:

• Conserving water saves energy. Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint.
• Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish. This is especially important during drought periods and in areas like South East England where there is a big demand on water supplies. 
• Conserving water can save you money. If you have a water meter then the less water you use, the less you may be charged by your water company. 

Save water in the kitchen:

• Put a large bottle of tap water in the fridge to save waiting for the tap to run cold. Waiting for the tap to run cold can waste 10 litres of water a day! 
• Only fill the kettle with the amount of water needed.
• Put lids on saucepans to reduce the amount of water lost during heating.
• Put your dishwasher and washing machine on with full loads and on an eco-setting wherever possible.
• Use a washing-up bowl in your sink to reduce the volume of water you use to fill the area.

Save water in the bathroom:

• Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. A running tap can waste more than 6 litres of water a minute!
• Purchase a water-efficient toilet (one with a dual flush) or go by the old saying ‘if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!’
• Get a cistern displacement device to save up to 5,000 litres of water every year. They are free from most water companies.
• Shower instead of bathe. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water, but a shower typically uses between 6 and 45 litres.
• Install water-efficient taps and showers to minimise heating water – this will save you money on your water and energy bills, as well as decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Fix a dripping tap. A dripping tap can waste 15 litres of water a day!

Save water in the garden:

• Sprinklers can use as much as 1,000 litres of water an hour! In truth, it’s okay for the lawn to go brown, it will recover the next time it rains.
• Use a water butt to catch large amounts of rainwater and use this to water your plants, clean your car and wash your windows.
• Use mulch and bark in your garden, it will help to reduce evaporation by up to 75%.
• Plant drought-resistant plants that don’t require as much watering.

More useful tips and in-depth information can be found on the WaterWise website. 

Check in with your water company as some offer discounts on water saving equipment, like water butts!