How to save water
Here are our top ten tips to get you on your way to reducing your water wastage
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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