How to save water

Here are our top ten tips to get you on your way to reducing your water wastage

1. If you have a shower fed directly from the boiler you can save money on your water and gas bill by installing an aerating showerhead. By installing a showerhead you could see your water use and energy use for showering drop by up to a 70%, depending on the original flow rate.
   
2. Old toilet cisterns (pre-1993) can use up to nine litres of water a flush. Reduce this by installing a free Save-A-Flush device. If you are fitting a new bathroom suite save more installing a dual flush toilet or low flush symphonic system.
   
3. Fixing a dripping tap can save as much as 75 litres per day. A dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water per year, that’s enough to fill a paddling pool every week for the whole summer. Alternatively, replace an old tap with one of our water efficient taps.
   
4. Install a waterbutt in the garden and use a watering can to water the plants. Using a hose can use as much in one hour as a family of four can in two days.
   
5. Have a water meter fitted. Keeping an eye on your water use will help you maximise your savings. If you use water efficiently then you will also see a reduction in your water bill.
   
6. Hang up your washing up gloves and buy a dishwasher. They use much less water than washing by hand. With many modern dishwashers and detergents tablets, you no longer have to pre-rinse your dishes before loading them into the machine – simply scrape off the leftovers into your rubbish bin or compost heap, and then place in your dishwasher.
   
7. Half-load programmes on dishwashers and washing machines use more than half the water and energy of a full load. So wait until the machines are full before switching them on. And consider buying a water efficient washing machine and dishwasher.
   
8. When replacing old white goods, such as a dishwasher or washing machine, purchase water and energy efficient models. This will save you water, energy and money.
   
9. Turn off the tap whilst brushing your teeth or shaving, leaving it flowing wastes 9 litres of water a minute. An easy way to do this is to install an infra-red tap.
   
10. Keep a bottle or jug of water in the fridge instead of running taps until the water runs cold. This can save 10 litres of water a day.
    

2009 Save Water Save Money Ltd