On
average, we all use 160 litres of water a day
in the home for cooking, drinking and washing.
Modern appliances, such as washing machines and
dishwashers, help us with our daily chores but
use large amounts of water. Small changes in our
daily routine will save water - here are a few
ideas to help you.
Try
the bbc's water
watcher website to se if you are a water watcher
or water waster! |
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Dripping
taps are not only annoying but they also waste
a lot of water. Most dripping taps only need a new washer,
which can be very simple to fix.
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|
 Don't
clean and peel vegetables under a running tap. Put the
plug in and use the sink. A tap left running for 10 minutes
uses nearly 100 litres (22 gallons of water). |
|
 Don't
fill the kettle to the brim, only
boil as much water as you need, but be sure to cover the element. This not only
saves water, it can reduce your
electricity costs. |
|
 Each
cycle of a washing machines uses up to 100 litres
(22 gallons of water), so make sure you only
use your washing machine when you have a full load. |
|
 Each
complete cycle of a dishwasher uses as much as 50 litres
(11 gallons) of water, so always follow the manufacturer's
guidelines to make sure you are maximising water use. |
|
 When
purchasing either a new washing machine or dishwasher,
choose one that is water efficient.
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|
 Take
a shower rather than a bath. Bathing uses approximately
80 litres (18 gallons) of water.
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|
 Approximately
one-third of water used in the home is flushed away. Older
types of cisterns can use as much as 10 litres of water
per flush, whilst the new ones use only 7 litres. |
|
 Use
a glass of water to rinse your teeth after brushing,rather
than leaving the tap running. |
|
 To
save water in the older cisterns, you can try using
a one litre plastic bottle, half full of water and placed
in the cistern where it won't impede the ball valve.
Cut the bottle in half and make a small hole in the
side. Put the bottom half in the cistern, weighted down
with a pebble. |
|
 If
you have a dual-flush cistern, use the light flush whenever
possible. |
|
 Check
if your cistern is leaking by putting a little food
colouring in the cistern. If the colouring begins to
appear in the bowl when the toilet has not been flushed,
you should get the cistern checked. |
|
 Lag
your pipes. This is worth doing because, as well as
keeping them warm and saving on your heating bills,
it will prevent them from bursting in cold weather and
flooding your house. However, do not lag the loft floor
underneath the water tank or it may freeze, as it prevents
the air from circulating. |
|
 Wash
your car with a bucket and sponge. A hosepipe can use
up to 1000 litres of water an hour. |
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If in doubt,
always consult a registered and qualified plumber. |
paying
your bill 
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Save
Water in the Home
