Water Conservation
Why save water?
Clean water is a precious commodity often taken for granted in the
UK, but behind the scenes it takes a lot of energy and technology
to bring it to us. As climate change brings longer, dryer summers,
water shortages will become more frequent. We can all do our bit by
starting to save water today.
Ways to save water:
Habits
- Use a bowl for washing up or peeling vegetables, instead of
running the tap.
- Turn the tap off whilst cleaning your teeth.
- Put the plug in the sink whilst washing and shaving, instead of
running the tap.
- Fill the watering can with cold water whilst waiting for hot
water to come through to the hot tap.
- If you have the choice, shower rather than bath. (But power
showers can use a lot of water).
Small Jobs
- Contact your water supplier to get a water meter fitted for
free. For most households, water bills will be lower with a meter.
For more information, telephone Severn Trent Water on 0845 7090 646
or view their webpage on water
meters.
- Place a brick or a full one litre bottle of water in the toilet
cistern, or order a "Water
Hog" from Severn Trent Water. Check the flush still operates
properly, and you will save water every time you flush.
- Repair dripping taps quickly.
- Check the water and energy use of washing machines and
dishwashers before you buy, as an inefficient model will cost you
extra in the long run.
In the Garden
- Use a water butt to collect and save the water falling on your
roof. Call Severn Trent Water on 08708 494851 for current offers on
water butts. Water Butts are now also available at getcomposting.
Prices start from £29.45 and there is a buy one get one half price
option.
- Use a watering can (filled from your water butt) rather than a
hosepipe which uses up to 1000 litres of water per hour!
- Water plants in the evening and never in full sunlight as water
may evaporate without reaching the roots, and any splashes can burn
delicate leaves and blooms.
- Use washing up water on the garden - it won't harm your plants
and it keeps aphids away.
- Dig in plenty of compost to improve water retention in the soil
and therefore reduce the need to water as often. To order a
discounted compost bin from Worcestershire County Council call 0845
073 2001.
- Spread a mulch on the surface, for example bark chips. This
will keep water in and keep weeds down.
- Check the labels on plants at the garden centre and avoid
planting water-hungry varieties.
Further Information
Severn Trent Water (serves
over 8 million customers across the heart of the UK)
Environment Agency (information on UK's water resources and
water conservation)
