Here are ten ways you can save water at home:
Water Leaks
There is nothing worse than a leak because you are paying for lost water. The water industry loses over 3 billion litres of water a day in England and Wales. Learn how to check for leaks by reading our water leak detection guide.
Toilets
Toilets account for almost one third of all household water usage. A water efficient dual flush toilet uses 6 litres on full flush and 4 litres with economy flush. This is less than half of a traditional toilet that uses 13 litres per flush. By installing a dual flush toilet, you will make significant water savings.
Showers
The increasing popularity of Power Showers is a significant concern because spending over five minutes in a Power Shower can use more water than taking a bath. Discover how to save water in the shower in our water efficient shower article.
Dishwashers
Washing plates by hand in the kitchen sink accounts for almost 10 per cent of household water consumption. You can save water by installing a water efficient dishwasher that will use the minimal amount of water necessary to clean and rinse. However, you must always wash a full load of dishes to gain maximum water efficiency.
Washing Machines
Do not be misled by energy efficiency labels. The rating is based on electricity usage and not on water usage. Some A+ energy rated washing machines use 14 litres of water per kilogram whereas water efficient washing machines use less than half of this amount. Read our water efficient washing machine guide to learn more.
Taps
Buy an aerator for each of your household taps. The aerator spreads the stream of water coming out of your tap into tiny droplets. This will prevent splashing and save water.
Garden Lawns
Regularly watering your garden lawn with sprinklers can consume a large amount of water. You can save water in the garden, avoid using weed killer and sell your lawnmower by installing an artificial lawn. Read our article on artificial grass to find out more.
Plants and Flowers
Most plants and flowers require regular watering to grow and stay healthy. Replacing some of your plants and flowers with artificial ones will save water. Consider buying artificial flowers for rooms of your house that are infrequently used. Modern artificial flowers can be very realistic and still brighten up the room.
Water Butts
Why only save water when you can collect it as well? Learn how to start rainwater harvesting by reading our article on water butts. They are inexpensive, easy to install and you will be amazed how much water you can save each year by using a water butt in your garden.
Drinking Water
Remember that drinking plenty of water every day helps you to stay healthy. The Government Department of Health recommends we drink at least 1 litre of water each day (about six glasses). Many people waste water by letting the tap run cold before filling up their glass. You can save water by filling a jug or bottle with tap water and keeping this in the fridge. By doing this you can enjoy ice cold water without wasting a drop.