6 Easy Steps to Help Save Water at Home
Water is something we use every day, often without giving much thought to how much we’re using. The good news is that saving water doesn’t have to mean making big changes. A few small adjustments to your everyday routine can help reduce water waste and make a real difference over time.
You might already be doing some of these, but there could be one or two simple habits you can add to your routine.
Keep showers to around 4 minutes
We all enjoy a relaxing shower, but the longer we stay under the water, the more we use. Keeping your shower to around four minutes where you can is a simple way to cut down on water use.
Why not challenge yourself to keep showers short? You could even set a timer occasionally to see how close you are to four minutes. And if you’re choosing between a long shower and a bath, a shower will generally use much less water.
Turn off the tap while brushing
It’s easy to leave the tap running while you brush, but all those minutes can quickly add up. A running tap can use around 6 litres of water every minute.
Simply turn the tap off while you brush and turn it back on when you need to rinse. It takes no extra effort and is one of the easiest water-saving habits to get into.
Spotted a leak? Act Quickly
A dripping tap might seem like a small problem, but a steady leak can waste a surprising amount of water. Leaking toilets can be particularly wasteful and may use up to 400 litres of water a day.
So, if you notice a dripping tap, a toilet that keeps running or any other sign of a leak, try and fix it as soon as you can, or if you’re a tenant, please report it as soon as possible. Acting quickly can help prevent water being wasted unnecessarily.
Use a washing-up bowl
If you wash dishes by hand, try using a washing-up bowl rather than leaving the tap running. A bowl allows you to control how much water you use and can make it easier to avoid wasting water while washing and rinsing.
It’s a small change, but once you get into the habit, you may find it becomes second nature.
Think before you press start
It can be tempting to put the washing machine on as soon as you have a few dirty clothes, but waiting until you have a fuller load can help reduce the number of washes you need to do.
Where suitable for the clothes you’re washing, choosing a 30°C cycle can also help reduce energy use. So, before you press start, take a moment to ask yourself: Does this load really need washing now?
Only boil the water you need
There’s nothing better than a cup of tea, but how often do we fill the kettle with far more water than we actually need?
Next time you make a cuppa, fill the kettle with just enough water for the number of cups you’re making. You’ll use less water and energy, and your kettle may boil a little quicker too. It’s a tiny change that can easily become part of your daily routine.
Every Drop Counts…
None of these changes are difficult, and you certainly don’t have to do everything at once. Try choosing one or two to start with and see if you can make them part of your usual routine.
When lots of us make small changes, they can add up to a much bigger difference.
Thanks for helping us reduce water waste and make every drop count! 💧
