How to save water

running water

Last updated: 24 November 2009

After spending ten days in a green community in Mid Wales, Gaynor Davies from Holywell says she's now put a water-saving device in the toilet cisterns back home. Here are some more suggestions about how you could reduce water consumption in your household, benefiting the environment and potentially reducing your utility bill.

  • When using a kettle or saucepan, only boil as much water you need.
  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth: a running tap can waste up to six litres of water a minute.
  • Take showers rather than a bath, and consider fitting a flow reducer to your showerhead - which can reduce water usage by up to 70%.
  • Load dishwashers and washing machines fully: fuller loads means less water wastage as the machines run more efficiently.
  • Collect rain water and use it to water the garden. Water butts can be relatively cheap to purchase and easy to install.
  • Consider switching to a water meter to reduce water bills; check with your water supplier to examine which is the most cost-effective way for you to receive the utility.
  • Keep a jug of water in your fridge for cold drinks, rather than running the tap until the water becomes cold.

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