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Wise up to Water Conservation - Handy Hints and TipsEvery time we run the tap, turn on the sprinklers, fill a bath or flush the toilet, we are potentially wasting water. For metered customers, this increases the price of your bill and the burden on your wallet. For the planet, it's an unnecessary drain on an essential resource.
South West Water Operations Director, Stephen Bird, said: "Fortunately here at South West Water we are not currently facing the same problems with water restrictions as some parts of the South East of England; however we will always encourage our customers to use water wisely."  Dr Stephen Bird, Operations Director Believe it or not, conserving water is easy - by just following some or all of these handy hints and tips from our top water conservation experts, you can dramatically reduce the amount of water you use, without compromising on the amount of water you need. Handy Hints and Top Tips Bathing or showering - An average bath uses 100 litres of water! Most showers use around half that amount. Why not opt for a shower if possible, but if you have a power shower make it a quick one and why not look into water reducing shower heads. Flushing the loo - Older toilets can use nine litres or more per flush but new toilets use just six litres. If you have an old loo, put a free water-saving HIPPO bag or Save-a-Flush (formerly the Hog) into your cistern. Running the tap - The best thing you can do with tap water is drink it. Why not keep a couple of chilled bottles in the fridge, so you don't have to run the tap until the water's cold. Also it's an old adage but when you clean your teeth use a mug and don't leave the tap running. Washing up and scrubbing up - A simple tip, whether you are washing yourself, the dishes or the green beans - keep the plug in the sink or use a bowl. Never leave the taps running. If you do, turn it down to a trickle – it'll do the job just as well. Putting the kettle on - Try filling the kettle with only as much water as you need, or alternatively, use a low water and energy kettle. The dishwasher - New dishwashers use as little as 15 litres per wash cycle compared to 50 litres for older models! Only use your dishwasher when you have a full load. The washing machine - New models use as little as 40 litres per wash cycle, whereas older models can use up to 100 litres! Only use your machine when you have a full load or choose a short economy cycle. These use less water and less energy too! Hose Pipes - Where possible use a bucket and sponge for car washing and a watering can for your flowerbeds, hanging baskets, seedlings and planters. If you do have to use a hose pipe, fit a trigger nozzle and never leave the hose pipe running. Stop the Sprinklers - A sprinkler is not necessarily good for your garden and uses around 1,000 litres of water an hour – enough for a family of six for a whole day! Composting - Mulching reduces the amount of water plants require. You can either buy mulch or save kitchen waste in a composter. Using a water butt - You can use rainwater to keep your garden plants green by collecting it in a water butt. Plants prefer rainwater and it could save you a walk to the kitchen tap. If you want to find out more about conserving water in your home and garden and the various water saving devices now available, why not visit the water conservation pages on our website or call our free conservation helpline on 0800 378937. Published on: 26 June 2006 |
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