According to Ofwat, people use around 150 litres of water a day, on average.
According to a UK Government report, hot water accounts for around 18% of a household’s heat demand.
At a glance
- Saving water at home cuts water and energy bills and can also reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact.
- Simple changes, such as fixing leaks, turning off taps and using efficient appliances or fittings, can reduce water waste and save money quickly.
- Hot water makes up 18% of a home’s heat demand, so small actions like shorter showers can help you save even more.
Saving water can reduce:
- your water bill (if you’re on a water meter)
- your energy use and bills
- the impact on your local environment
- your carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by using less energy to pump, heat and treat the water
Water is closely linked to energy use. Many of us may not realise that our water use at home contributes to our energy bills and our household carbon footprint.
How much water does the average household use?
How do we use water at home?
Hot water usage in a home includes:
- cooking
- washing our hands
- showering and bathing
In addition to your water bill and CO2 savings, reducing your hot water use can help you save on your energy bills.
Cold water usage includes:
- cleaning and gardening
- washing the car
- flushing the toilet
Reducing this can save on your water bills (if you have a water meter) and CO2 emissions associated with pumping fresh water and treating wastewater.
How can I save water at home?
Simple water use changes can save you money and reduce the amount of water you waste. There are also several water saving products available to make it easier for you to save.
-
01
Change your shower head
Try swapping an inefficient shower head with a water efficient one. This can save the typical home £65 in Great Britain (GB) and £25 in Northern Ireland (NI) on combined heating and water bills.
-
02
Turn off the tap
According to the Consumer Council for Water, a running tap can use around nine litres of water a minute. So, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. Use cold water if you don’t need hot.
-
03
Fix leaky taps
A dripping tap can waste thousands of litres of water a year. Make sure your taps are properly turned off and change washers promptly when taps start to drip.
-
04
Use cold water
You can also try to avoid wasting water from running taps while waiting for hot water.
-
05
Fill your dishwasher
Make sure that dishwashers and washing machines are full before you use them. Remember to also use the most efficient water and energy settings.
-
06
Use a bowl for washing up
Using a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap can save you money on your energy and water bills. It can take just 95 seconds running a typical tap before you would’ve have filled a washing up bowl.
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