We all love a long, hot summer, a welcome respite from the cold, damp conditions that we are used to. Unless of course you are a reservoir and are beginning to run on empty.
With most of the country now under a hose pipe ban, it is important that we all do our part in trying to save water wherever we can. It may seem easier said than done, so we have put together 5 easy steps that you can take to save as much water as you can this summer season.
If your plants and flowers are starting to suffer in the heat, you will be tempted to fill up the watering can to give them a good drink. However, if you wash your dishes by hand, you could use the water from the bowl to water your plants, which will save at least a few litres per day.
Showers are a great way to relax and also to cool down after being out in the hot sun, but most of us tend to stay in there for longer than we actually need. If you can cut out at least a few minutes (if not more) from each shower that you take, it will be astonishing how much water we can actually save, which will be even more if every member of your household does the same. Simply set a timer on your phone to keep track.
A close look around the house may uncover leaks that you didn't know existed, whether from pipes, taps or the toilet. If you can get these fixed as soon as possible, it will not only save water, it will save you money on your water bill. If you see water leaks on your road or surrounding areas, you should also report these to your local water company as soon as you can, so that they can conduct repairs and stop that water wastage.
Many washing machines and dishwashers have an eco setting that will use less water for a clean. It may take a little bit longer to complete, but it will certainly save plenty of vital water over the summer months.
It’s surprising how many people leave the tap running for much longer than necessary. You should turn it off when cleaning your teeth and when shaving, for instance. If someone in your household has a habit of switching on the shower to warm up and then gets distracted with something else, remind them of the water that is being wasted and encourage them to jump straight in.
Just a few simple changes to your routine can save so much water, whether we are in a drought or not. In the winter months you can also take advantage of the rainfall and put a water butt in your garden to collect enough water to last you through the year.
