10 Ways To Save Water
During the heatwave, it’s no surprise that we’re using more water to keep cool and stay hydrated. The average person uses 150 litres of water a day, of which only 4% is for drinking purposes, but taking these simple steps can ensure the hot weather doesn’t soak up your water bill. By making the water you use more effective, it ultimately benefits the planet too.
1. Analyse your household usage
In order to know where you can cut down on wastage and make the water you use more efficient, you’ll need to work out exactly how much water your household is currently using. Free digital tools such as the aqKWa Savings Engine will analyse your water usage and give you personalised advice in just a few minutes, helping you cut down your bill in no time. Over 200,000 households have used the engine, saving on average £88 a year.
2. Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth
A running tap can use six litres of water a minute. By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth, a family of four could save up to £50 on metered water bills, as well as 17,520 litres of water per year.
3. Cut a minute off your shower time
Cutting a minute off your shower time could save £15 in energy bills, and a further £15 in water bills (metered), per person per year, or £120 saved a year for an average four-person household.
4. Invest in a water saving kit
There are a range of gadgets out there, available for free from your water provider that will help to cut down your water usage. A typical five item Water Saving Kit, which includes a ShowerSave, ShowerTimer, ToothyTimer, Tap Inserts and Save A Flush bag, will save a household on average £110 per year, on water and energy bills, and over 37,000 litres of water.
5. Wash with a full load
When using a dishwasher or washing machine, make sure you wash with a full load. A washing machine can use around 45 litres of water per cycle, so only using it when it’s full will help to cut down on your water usage, and ultimately your bill.
Pic: iStockphoto
6. Fix dripping taps
A dripping tap can waste more than 5,500 litres of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turned off and if any are leaking, then arrange for them to be fixed. It would save you £15.95 per year.
7. Use a washing up bowl
Using a washing up bowl to wash plates or cutlery twice a day, rather than having the hot tap running, could save around £30 a year on gas and electric.
8. Opt for a bucket and sponge
A hose pipe or sprinkler can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour, so opting for a bucket and sponge to wash the car, or using a watering can to nourish your plants will have a profound effect on your water usage.
9. Change your shower head
Fitting a water saving showerhead alone will save an average 30 litres of water per household per day, totalling £40 per year on metered water and energy bills.
10. Install a flush saver bag
Installing a flush saver bag in your toilet cistern will save an average of 13 litres of water per day, or more than 4,670 litres per year (£13.50 per year). They’re quick and easy to install and can be obtained for free from your water provider.
For more ways to save money visit the Save Money Save Water website
