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Save Water and Combat Climate Change

20th June 2024

After one of the wettest winters (and springs) on record, it seems laughable that some areas in the UK could be heading into drought this summer. However, a combination of climate change and rising population mean that we are, once again, at risk of experiencing shortages.

As a country that has always been “blessed” with plenty of water, we have not learnt to take care of it and, as such, the UK often swings wildly from flood to drought, sometimes in a matter of weeks. While we can’t directly control the impact of climate change today, or how our water boards take care of our precious water, we can have some control over our water consumption and climate change in the future. Some small changes could make a big difference…

In the garden

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just trying to keep a few plants alive, if you have any plants to water, consider investing in a water butt. Rainwater is free, has the right pH for plants, and helps your garden thrive even during water shortages. Various rain harvesting solutions are available, from basic water butts to roof-mounted systems. If installation concerns you, consult a local handyman.

In the shower

Showers use a significant amount of water, averaging 10-12 litres per minute. A 10-minute shower consumes up to 120 litres, so a family of four could use 480 litres daily. By cutting shower time by just two minutes, a family can save 64 litres of water per day, totalling 35,040 litres annually.

In the bathroom

Toilets consume a lot of water. While it’s unnecessary to leave a toilet unflushed all day, reducing unnecessary flushes can save water. Older toilets use up to 13.6 litres per flush, while modern ones use around 6 litres. Averaging 10 litres per flush, reducing one flush per day per family can save 40 litres daily.

In the kitchen

Being mindful of your washing up habits can make a great start in saving water. If you have a dishwasher, ditch washing up by hand completely and make sure that you fill your dishwasher as much as possible to make the most of every drop.

Reducing food waste can help to reduce your water consumption, too. Brits throw away more than 7 million tonnes of food and drink every year. The worst bit is that over half of that could be eaten. By cutting your food waste you won’t only reduce your water consumption, but you will also save money.

Around the house

And finally, that pesky drip in your kitchen or bathroom isn’t just annoying, it is using up a deceptive amount of water. Call your local plumber to fix any niggles and provide advice on upgrading existing systems to water-saving alternatives.

There is no quick fix, but every drop helps. By implementing any of these small changes you can save money and save water. Want to know more? Follow us on Facebook or X for more tips.

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