Water is a precious resource that many of us take for granted. Despite the UK being a notoriously wet country, its weather is also extremely unpredictable, and statistics suggest that freshwater supplies could dry up by 2040 based on current consumption levels.1
Fortunately, there are many simple ways for you to save water at home. By incorporating these water-saving habits into your daily routine, you can make a real splash in the fight against climate change - all while saving pennies on your water bill.
Why save water?
The average UK household uses around 345 litres of water a day. That’s 145 litres per head, every day!2
An average household will use around 17% of its total energy consumption to heat water3 - whether it’s taking a shower or bath, or by using dishwashers or a washing machine. By using less hot water, you’ll directly reduce the amount of energy needed to heat it.
What’s more, water treatment plants and pumping stations use electricity to move water to your home. Reducing your overall water usage can lessen the energy burden on these facilities, which has an indirect impact on your energy bill.
Reducing your household’s water consumption can not only save money on your energy bills - you’ll also be doing your bit to reduce your carbon footprint by conserving precious energy resources.
How to save water at home
We’ve put together a list of simple ways for you to save water at home:
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Avoid wasting water from running taps, including while waiting for the water heat up or when brushing your teeth
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Make sure taps are turned off as drips could be costing you thousands of litres of water every year
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Ensure dishwashers and washing machines are full prior to use
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Wait until you have a full load before using the washing machine or dishwasher
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Use cold water rather than hot wherever you can
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Take shorter showers rather than long baths
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Consider investing in drought-resistant plants as they require watering less frequently
If you fancy opening the floodgates further on ways to water, you could try these options:
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Use water butts (also known as rain barrels) in the garden to collect rainwater that can be used to water your plants
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Low-flow taps provide a steady stream while using less water by mixing air with the water flow
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Water efficient showerheads are designed to limit the flow rate without compromising the overall shower experience
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Consider upgrading your old toilet to a water-saving modern model, or even a dual flush model for additional water savings.
Small changes in your home may only seem like a drop in the ocean, but they can add up to make a big difference for a sustainable future. By incorporating these simple water-saving habits into your daily routine, you can make a significant difference in your household’s water consumption. Remember, every drop counts!
To learn more about how you can be more sustainable around the home, check out the rest of the articles on our Green Hub.
References
2 Energy Saving Trust, 2024
3 Energy Saving Trust, 2022
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