29 Dec 2024
This blog is all about how to save water. Because, after all, it's our most precious resource.
Water is everywhere… right? It covers 71% of the planet.
But that doesn’t mean we get to be careless with it. With climate change making water supplies more unpredictable, we have to treat it like the treasure it is.
Even in places like the UK, where rain is a regular guest, reducing water use isn’t just about conserving resources. It’s about saving money, lowering our energy bills, and reducing our carbon footprint. Every drop counts!
best ways YOU can help to save water.
1. shower smarter.
Ever wondered how much water you use when you take a shower? A 5 minute power shower uses about 75 litres of water BUT the reality is that on average we spend over 10 minutes ₂ in the shower. So we’re using more than 150 litres each time (a full bath is 80 litres).
So why not set a timer? Perhaps challenge the kids with a buzzer game or use an egg timer to beat the clock! You could even pick a four-minute song, and end the shower when the song’s over.
2. turn off the tap.
Whether brushing your teeth or applying shampoo, turning off the tap can save around 9,000 litres ₃ of water per household each year.
That’s a lot of water—and no one needs running water while they’re brushing!
3. reuse.
Reusing waste water IS possible.
If you’ve washed your veggies or boiled them in some water - save it in a bowl and reuse that water for the garden or even to flush the toilet. And after a soak in the bath why not use the water to clean the patio or outdoor furniture?
Finally, while you’re running the hot tap and waiting for it to heat up - collect the cold water in a jug and use it elsewhere.
4. install a water butt.
UK weather = perfect for a water butt! Use rainwater to keep your garden happy—even during a hosepipe ban. It’s a win-win.
5. be measured.
Ready for a brew? Only boil what you need! Fill your cup first, then pour it into the kettle. Or, if you’re a real tea lover, get a kettle with a ‘one-cup’ feature for maximum efficiency. It’ll help with those fuel bills, too!
6. fully loaded.
Wait until your washing machine or dishwasher is full before starting them. You’ll save water, energy, and get your time back. Half loads use almost the same amount of water and energy as a full load so you’re really saving nothing.
7. keep appliances in check.
Leaky taps or toilets with faulty cistern valves are all going to waste your water. A drip here, a drip there, it all adds up! Fix any leaks and descale the showerhead for better pressure and less waste.
8. shower don’t bathe.
Yes, we know tip no.1 makes a bath sound best… but do we really need to spend 10 minutes in the shower? A 5 minute power shower will use less water than a full bath (standard showers use even less than that). Sensible showering can STILL mean you’ll save.
9. water-saving tech.
Did you know there are water-saving gadgets that can help in the fight to conserve water? Consider a regulated or eco shower head, a hot water dispenser for single cups of tea, or a rainwater diverter for the water butt.
By adopting even a few of these tips, we’re not just saving water; we’re helping the environment, reducing our bills, and building greener homes. So go on, save a little water today—because every drop truly counts.
₁South Staffs Water
₂University of Surrey 2024
₃Energy Savings Trust