Conserving water

It may seem as though water is an unlimited source, but even in the UK water shortages have proved the contrary. In fact we have less water per head than hotter European countries and are using 50% more water than we did 25 years ago. Conserving the water you use in the home now will mean there is enough water in times of drought to come, preventing depletion of rivers and destruction of river wildlife. Simply follow these easy water saving tips:

• Don’t leave taps running – get cold water from the fridge instead of letting the water run cold or use the warm water to water plants or wash vegetables or dishes. Turning off the tap while you brush your teeth saves 5 litres of water per minute!
• Install a shower. Showering uses six times less water on average than a bath, even more if you buy a low-flow shower head.
• Get leaks and worn washers fixed straight away.
• Washing machines and dishwashers use large volumes of water so buy an efficient low-water model and make sure each load is full.
• Toilets can use up to 9 litres of water just in flushing so install a water-saving toilet with a low capacity bowl, dual flush or ultra-low flush. Or place a water displacement device, or ‘hippo’ into your existing toilet cistern.
• Use a re-circulating hot water system with a point-of-use water heater for remote bathrooms.
• Store rainwater for watering the garden in a water butt. When watering plants, use a micro sprinkler or watering can instead of a hose.

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