Less
than 1% of water on the earth is available for drinking
Each person on average
uses 150 litres per day (that's the equivalent of 264 pints of milk)
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
Dripping
taps can waste up to 15 litres a day, that's 5,500 litres a year
Every minute a tap is running it uses around 6 litres of water
Though we might feel the rain never lets up at times and with a
growing population and ever-increasing water use, we can't carry on using water in the same way. 20% of a household's
carbon footprint comes just from heating water for baths, showers and washing up. We all need to act now to stop
wasting water. By following a few simple measures we can easily cut water wastage, save money and protect the environment.
Saving
water - tips in the home
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. Choose energy efficient models when replacing old appliances,
they are efficient on both saving energy and water.
If
you have a dripping tap get it fixed as soon as possible.
Fill
the kettle only with the water you'll need.
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.
Don't leave the tap running when washing dishes or vegetables.
If you have a dual flush toilet use the shorter flush when possible.
Fit flow regulators or aerators to shower heads and handbasin taps.
Insulate pipes; this will reduce the risk of burst pipes in the winter.
Saving water - 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 early
in the 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 use retention granules, these will help reduce the amount
of watering required.
