Saving Water

We all use water in many ways throughout the day: for washing up, showering or taking baths, making tea and coffee, and a host of other daily activities.

But water is increasingly becoming a precious resource, which is why it’s becoming important for us all to practise ways of conserving it. In addition, water conservation is good for your household finances because it helps you save money on your water and other utility bills.

How much Water do we Use?

  • On average, each person in the UK uses 150 litres of water every day.
  • On average, each UK household uses 100,000 litres every year.
  • On average, getting water into our homes emits 1.5 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere annually per person.
  • One fifth of the household carbon emission is from heating hot water for baths, showers and washing up.

 

Why Save Water when we are Surrounded by it and it always Rains?

Treating sea water to make clean water is very expensive and energy intensive. It also has an added environmental effect in that the waste stream of highly concentrated salt water affects the soil and water quality in the immediate area around the plant. Desalination is usually the last option for providing clean water.

It may seem to rain all the time, but you’d be surprised to know that the UK has the same average rainfall as Barcelona (that’s less than Rome, Paris and Naples!). Our average water consumption in the UK is also higher than that of the rest of Europe, and the demand is increasing. This is not sustainable, and we will end up emitting even larger amounts of carbon into the environment.

How can my Actions make a Difference?

Every little helps! If every family changed their behaviour we would use less water from the environment and emit less carbon into the environment, as we would need to treat and heat less water.

What can I do Today?

  • Shower rather than bathe.
  • Time yourself in the shower and reduce the time spent in the shower by 3 minutes.
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
  • Use a bowl for washing up rather than a running tap.
  • Only use washing machines and dishwashers when they are full.

It is estimated that the actions listed above could reduce the amount of water used by up to 50 litres a day per household.

Will I see any Effects of the Changes to my Behaviour?

  • The cost of heating water makes up 30% of the average household bill. Reducing water usage could save up to £200 per year on an average gas bill.
  • If you are on a water meter, reducing your water usage by 20 litres a day could give you an annual saving of £75.
  • If every person in your family cut a minute off their shower time you would shave up to £40 off your energy bill.