The Great British summer has not failed to disappoint this year with a mix of heat waves and torrential rain. Despite the apparent non-stop downpours in some parts of the country, the prospect of water shortages is still very much on the horizon. Follow these tips to save water, save the environment, and save money.
Why save water?
Aside from the fact that reducing your water consumption will help to reduce your water bills, by saving water you will be helping the environment. In the UK, most of our water is freshwater that comes from the surface. This is water that would – and should - have been used to support nature. By reducing your water footprint, you can help the natural environment to thrive.
Showers not baths
While a lovely long soak in the bath can be a nice luxury, make showers your norm. This is a quick win and can help you to save a significant amount of water (depending on the depth of your usual bath and the length of your usual shower!).
Reuse cooking water
Water from cooking pasta, eggs and veg can be used again for watering your plants. Just make sure that you cool it down first! In fact, water from boiling eggs is packed with nutrients and calcium, so is a great addition to your gardening routine.
Stack the dishwasher high!
Tempting as it may be to put the dishwasher on before you go to bed, if it is not full, avoid the temptation until it is. By switching to a dishwasher you could save thousands of litres of water a year, but you have to make sure that you use it efficiently.
Refrigerate your drinking water
How much water do you waste each day running the water through until it is cold enough to drink? Fill up a bottle or jug with water and pop it in the fridge – cold water when you want it without the waste.
Fix the leaks
From leaky taps to slightly faulty shower fittings, every drop of wasted water makes a difference. If you, like many households, have a list of niggles, get in touch with a local plumber or handyman; they will come and fix all those small but irritating plumbing jobs and will pay for themselves in the longer term.
Don’t leave the tap running!
Households are filled with two kinds of people: those who leave the tap running while they brush their teeth, and those who don’t. Switching off the tap while you brush your teeth is a simple and very effective way to reduce water waste.
At Trust A Trader we are committed to helping our customers to save money and keep their homes safe. If you would like to find a local plumber or handyman that you know you can trust, then check out our online directory. For more advice, follow us on Facebook or X.