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Top tips for saving water during the heatwave

Another heatwave is roasting the UK, so what are some ways to conserve water supplies?

Sunday 14 August 2022 08:53, UK

Image: The situation is 'critical' in Ireland, while there has been disruption to supplies in Staffordshire and Shropshire
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With the UK in the midst of another heatwave following last-month's record-breaking roaster, increased attention is being paid to the UK's water supplies.

People are being urged to conserve water as the hot weather continues, with a hosepipe ban even in place in some areas . Here are some top tips for using less.

People are being advised not to use sprinklers on their lawns
Image: People are being advised not to use sprinklers on their lawns
  • Fill a jug with water and keep it in the fridge. This gives you quick access to a cool drink, without having to run the tap and wait until the water is sufficiently cold.
  • Take a shower. The average bath uses 40 litres more water than a shower. It would also be helpful to cut the time you spend in the shower by a minute. If you really want to have a bath try filling the tub an inch less, saving five litres of water in the process.
  • Do not water your lawn so much. Leaving your sprinkler on for an hour can use more water than a family of four would use in a day. If your lawn is turning brown the advice is not to fret, it will recover when it rains again.
People are being encouraged not to use hoses to water plants
Image: People are being encouraged not to use hoses to water plants
  • Think before watering your flowers. For watering your plants, and lawn, why not re-use the water you have already used to wash your fruit and vegetables or even to clean the dishes? There is also the option of emptying the children's paddling pool water on to the flowers when the fun is over for the day.
  • Avoid using a hosepipe to wash your car. Fill a bucket with water and grab your sponge, rather than using a pressure washer. Or maybe just give yourself a break for a week or two.
It is hoped the scheme will cut the number of plastic bottles in circulation
Image: Severn Water has set up bottled water collection points as a precaution
  • Make sure the tap is off while brushing your teeth. For each minute you spend brushing your teeth you can save six litres of water just by turning off the tap. The same applies if you are having a shave or even washing your hands.
  • Wait until your washing machine is full before turning it on. Settings for half a load use more than half the water and energy of a full load, so you are better off waiting.
  • Only fill the kettle to the level you need. One cup of tea does not require a full kettle so try to remember not to automatically fill it each time.
  • Scout out any leaks. Have a look around your home for any leaky pipes. Fixing them can save you money as well as water.