This summer, it may not feel like a top priority to be saving water – after all, there’s enough of it tipping out of the sky for free! It still pays to be careful with what you use around the home, though – you’ll see the difference in your water bill as well as knowing you’re doing your best for the environment. Here are our top tips for using less water.
Install a waterbutt
With all the rainwater around, it’s silly to fill watering cans from the tap! You can buy water butts of various capacities from pretty much any hardware shop, and prices start at around £30. You may also need to buy accessories such as a stand or a fixing frame. You don’t need much in the way of DIY skills to fit one (it will need to be attached to the wall, so you may need to drill holes), and the rainwater is better for your plants as it has nothing added to it.
Replace old appliances
If your washing machine has seen better days, then think about replacing it. Modern appliances are more efficient in every way, from electricity to water usage.
Fix that tap
Dripping taps are not only irritating, but can waste gallons of water a month. The chances are that it’s just the washer that needs replacing, which is simple and cheap to do yourself (remember to turn the water off at the mains first, or it won’t be simple and cheap at all!). Even if you end up having to replace the whole tap, though, it’s still worth doing.
Be water aware
Keep an eye on what you’re using. For example. when you clean your teeth, don’t leave the tap running, and don’t overfill sinks when you’re washing up.
Take showers rather than baths
Baths are great for the occasional treat, but every day try to take showers instead. Showers use around half the water of a bath.
Clever cleaning
Try not to run washing machines or dishwashers until there’s a full load. Dishwashers can start to smell if you leave them too long, so run a quick rinse programme between full washes, or use a dishwasher fragrancer.
Eco-flushing
Most modern lavatories have two flush options, a long one and a short one. By using correct button you’ll be saving water whenever you can.
Reduce garden watering
Hosepipes are incredibly wasteful in the garden. Wherever you can, use watercans filled with saved rainwater for thirsty plants. Adding a thick layer of mulch such as bark chippings will help to keep in moisture.
Scrub vegetables in a bowl
Instead of rinsing vegetables under running water, scrub them in a bowl instead. You might have to change the water for rinsing, but garden plants will appreciate the dirty stuff – they don’t mind a bit of added mud!
Clever cuppas
When making a cup of tea, put only as much water in the kettle as you need. This saves energy as well as water, and any boiled water is used straightaway rather than being heated and left to cool down again.
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