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Blog Post 21 January 2021

Water saving products to help you cut water use at home

In the UK, the average household uses around 140 litres of water per head, every day. Most of us don’t realise how much water we use, with estimates generally falling between 50 and 100 litres per day – well below the actual figure.

If you want to get to grips with water consumption at home, we have some top tips to help you save water at home. From shortening your shower to using a washing up bowl, these simple actions can help you reduce the amount of water you use.

But, if you want to go one step further, there are several water saving products available to make it easier for you to save water. They can help reduce your energy bill by cutting the gas used to heat your water and, if you have a meter, your water bill too.

Here, we take a look at seven water saving products to help you save energy and water in the kitchen, bathroom and garden. Some water companies offer these products to customers for free, so it’s worth getting in touch with your supplier.

In the kitchen

  • 01

    Kitchen tap aerator

    Aerators can help your tap become more efficient. The aerator fits onto your existing kitchen tap and reduces the amount of water coming out, without affecting the wash or rinse effect. They can also reduce splashing and could help you save up to 40 litres of water a day.

  • 02

    Universal plug

    If you don’t have a washing up bowl, using a plug in your kitchen sink can save you water when doing the dishes or washing fruit and vegetables. Universal plugs fit all sinks, helping you to use only the water you need and saving you up to 30 litres a day.

In the bathroom

  • 01

    Cistern displacement device

    The amount of water flushed down our toilets is considerable – it’s the second biggest use of water in the home behind showering. Cistern displacement devices can be popped into your toilet cistern – when you flush, the device inflates, saving you up to two litres every time you flush.

  • 02

    Regulated shower head

    Switching to a water efficient, regulated shower head reduces the amount of water you use without impacting the pressure – so you won’t feel any difference in your daily shower. They can reduce your water usage by around 40 litres a day, but aren’t suitable for electric showers.

  • 03

    Four-minute shower timer

    Shortening the time you spend in the shower will reduce the volume of water that goes down the drain, so challenge yourself to take a quick shower. Using a four-minute timer can help you understand how long you spend in the shower and could save you 30 litres a day.

In the garden

  • 01

    Garden hose gun

    If you fancy yourself as a gardener, fitting a hose gun attachment to your hosepipe can help you control where and when you use water in the garden. Hosepipe spray guns use up to 50% less water per use. You should also consider using a watering can first to save even more water.

  • 02

    Plant water saving gel

    Water saving gels can reduce the need for frequent plant watering. The gel works by storing water that plants can then extract when they need it. It can help keep flowers and fruit on your plants during hot weather, reducing how often you need to use your hose in the summer.

It’s also worth remembering that every appliance or system that uses water in your home comes with a label stating how much it can help you reduce water use. Make sure you consider water consumption, as well as energy performance, when investing in new wet appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers – and look out for the new energy label on all products from March 2021.

Unless otherwise stated, water savings are based on figures provided by Scottish Water, based on a four-person family in an average gas-heated house.

Further reading

Last updated: 12 January 2021