Saving Water

Water Circle Saving water is still important even with the floods of recent years in the UK.

Since 1930 we use 1% more water each year.

The population is increasing at such a rate that the demand is increasing, but the water companies have a limited supply available for drinking.

Climate Change is also having an effect on our water, causing floods and droughts.

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.

There are some simple saving tips we can do at home including:

  • 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, therefore 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.

These are simple tips that you need to ensure the whole family follows.

Water saving tips - in the garden

Collect rain water in a butt. Butts are now available in all shapes and designs, some can now even look like ornaments in your garden.

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.

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Did you know?

In the UK an average single person consumes around 165 litres of water per day.

An average family of three uses about 150 litres each per day.

 
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Water saving devices
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