Saving water tips

Saving water is still important even with the floods of 2007 and 2008. The population is increasing at such a rate that the demand is increasing, but the water companies have a limited supply available for drinking.

Water companies need to use energy to power their treatment plants and pumping water, therefore reducing your usage will be saving energy.

Saving water facts

• Less than 1% of water on the earth is available for drinking.

• Each person on average uses 150 litres per day.

• A dripping tap can waste up to 4 litres a day.

• Most of our water is used in the bathroom at home.

• One flush of the toilet can use between 3.5 and 9.5 litres.

• A shower may use only 30 litres compared to a bath of 110 litres, but a power shower can use up to 60 litres per minute.

Saving water - tips in the home.

• Fit a water saving device to your toilet or fit a new toilet.

• Take a shower rather than a bath. A power shower may use more than a bath so check how much it uses, you may be able to adjust the power, therfore saving more.

• Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when full, or use the half load button if available. New appliances are normally much more efficient on both saving energy and water saving than old appliances.

• If you have a dripping tap get it fixed as soon as possible.

• Keep a jug or bottle of water in the fridge, this saves running a tap to ensure it is cold enough.

• Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth.

• If you have a dual flush toilet use the shorter flush when possible.

• Insulate pipes; this will reduce the risk of burst pipes in the winter.

Water saving tips - in the garden

• Collect rain water in a but. Buts are now available in all shapes and designs.

• Use a watering can rather than a hose where possible.

• If you use a hose fit a trigger gun this will allow you to adjust the flow, direct it at the plants and stop the flow when not required, therefore saving more.

• Watering plants in early morning or evening; will help reduce evaporation.

• Use waste water from the house to water plants where possible e.g. from washing vegetables,

• Don’t cut your lawn too short, as the longer grass will help to retain the wetness.

• In pots and containers there are retention granules available, these will help reduce the amount of watering required.

Related articles

Water saving devices - These can be fitted in the home including new toilets, hippo flush, a meter and buts in the garden.

Grey water - is used water from the home which can be stored, treated and then reused.

Rainwater harvesting - can be installed to store rain water to use around the home and garden.