How to save water and the importance of reducing water consumption
We use water in nearly every aspect of our daily lives, from drinking, cooking and bathing, to washing clothes, flushing the toilet and watering the garden. Despite this, most people would be surprised to learn that the average person in the UK uses as much as 150 litres of water each day.
As well as domestic uses, we rely on water to produce food and manufacture clothes, making it arguably the most precious resource on the planet. However, the world’s current water consumption is simply not sustainable, and taking measures to reduce consumption and waste will help keep our water supply safe and pure, ensuring it’s availability for future generations.
World Water Day 2021
World Water Day is an annual event held on the 22nd of March which highlights the importance of freshwater and advocates for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
World Water Day hosts events and provides a wealth of information related to the importance of valuing water and its impact around the globe, as well as promoting awareness initiatives such as the run around the world event.
You can view the agenda and register to attend this year’s virtual event on the UN Water website.
Benefits of saving water
Learning how to save water is not only important for our planet’s sustainability but can also save you a considerable amount on your water bill and have a dramatic effect on your carbon footprint.
Lots of energy is used in the collection, treatment and supply of water, and limiting this demand will lead to a reduction in the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.
Reducing your consumption of hot water in particular will also lead to savings on your gas and electricity bills.
Top 7 water-saving tips
- Invest in a rainwater harvesting system – rainwater harvesting systems recycle the rainwater from the roof for use in toilets, garden taps and washing machines, leading to a 40-50% saving of mains water usage. Read more about the benefits of rainwater harvesting systems.
- Fit a water butt – a water butt can collect around 5000 litres of rainwater per year for use in the garden, drastically reducing your reliance on treated water.
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth – this can save up to 9 litres of water per minute.
- Keeping a jug of tap water in the fridge – this will save you from leaving the cold tap running until the water runs cold before filling up your glass.
- Invest in water-efficient goods – you can purchase water-efficient shower heads, toilets, taps, and other household appliances which will reduce your domestic water consumption.
- Fit a cistern displacement device – this reduces the volume of water used in each flush.
- Using full loads in washing machines and dishwashers – this eliminates unnecessary small washes in between larger loads.
If you are looking to save water at home, but don’t know which solution is right for you, get in touch with our expert team for help and advice.