Save water in the bathroom
More than half the water we use at home is used in the bathroom, – so it’s a good place to start saving water.
Swap baths for showers
A bath takes around 80 litres of water to fill – whereas a swift shower can use less than half as much. If you’re a regular bather, opt for showers instead and make baths an occasional treat. You can also fill your bath just a little bit less – you won’t notice the difference but a few centimetres can save tens of litres.
Check your loo for leaks
Using the toilet
Toilets are one of the biggest water users in the home – around 25% of our daily water use gets flushed away. Here’s how to cut back without compromising hygiene:
Check for leaks
Toilets – especially push-button flush types – can develop small leaks that trickle water into the bowl. These leaks often go unnoticed but can double the water use of a two-person household. If you spot one, get it fixed as soon as possible.
Use the right flush
If you have a dual-flush toilet:
- Use the small button for wees
- Use the larger button for solid waste
- It’s a simple habit that can save litres every day.
Reduce flush volume
Have an older toilet with a large cistern? Pop in a displacement device (like a full plastic bottle with the cap on). It reduces the amount of water used with every flush
Consider skipping a flush
“If it’s yellow, let it mellow” – it’s not for everyone, but delaying flushes for light use can save a surprising amount of water over time.
Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth
At the basin
A few simple habits can make a big difference when it comes to saving water at the sink:
- Turn off the tap
Always turn the tap off while brushing your teeth – it can save litres of water every day. Kids often forget, so help them build the habit and explain why it matters
- Fix drips fast
A dripping tap might not seem like much, but over time it wastes a lot of water. Get leaks sorted quickly to avoid waste and potential damage
- Try a tap aerator
Fitting an aerator to your tap is a quick win – it mixes air into the water flow, giving you the same effective wash while using less water
- Make it fun for kids
Download a fun poster or encourage children to create their own to remind them to wash hands properly without wasting water
- Check for leaks
Keep an eye out for leaky pipes under the sink – even small drips can cause damage and waste water over time.
How to get the most from your shower
Boost your morning routine with these tips for a short but sensational shower routine.
Keep it to four minutes
A typical shower uses about 100 litres of water – if you keep it to around four minutes and have a water-efficient showerhead, it could use as little as 30 litres.
If it helps, stick your favourite pop song on and see if you can be done by the time it finishes!
Fit a water-saving shower head
A four-minute power or mixer shower uses around 60 litres of water – almost as much as filling a bath. Using an electric shower cuts down on water use.
To save even more water, use a water-saving shower head – either an aerator (which mixes in tiny air bubbles) or a regulator (which limits the flow of water without a noticeable impact).
Turn the temperature down
Lukewarm water is better for your skin, as hot water can strip oils away. Turning it down a notch can help save on your energy bills, too.
Once a day is plenty
Washing too often can also dry out the skin – you don’t need to wash more than once a day. If you need to freshen up, a quick flannel wash will do the trick.
Focus on the hotspots
You don’t need to soap all over – focus on the bits that get sweaty. Body parts like arms and legs just need a quick rinse, unless you’ve been out in the mud!
You can also turn the shower off while you soap up or shave, then turn back on to rinse.
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