10 ways to save water in the home

England has had the driest spring since 1929. 

In fact, it’s been so dry that the Environment Agency has declared a drought in the north-west. 

Nobody wants to be hit with water restrictions. 

But by making a few small changes, you can save water and help it go further. 

And at the same time, you can learn new habits that can make a big difference if you’re struggling to keep up with your bills. 

1. Don’t put too much water in the kettle 

Filling the kettle to the top when you’re just making one cup of tea wastes both water and electricity. 

So next time you’re making a brew, only boil as much water as you need. 

2. Only run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines 

Washing machines and dishwashers use a set amount of water and energy per cycle, no matter how full they are. 

So wait until you’ve got a full load before using them. 

This not only cuts down on your utility bills, but also helps extend the life of your appliances because you’re using them less. 

3. Spend less time in the shower 

If you often take long showers or enjoy a soak in the bath, save water by switching to shorter showers instead. 

Maybe use a shower timer or play one song on the radio to help you keep it quick. 

4. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth 

If you leave the tap running while brushing your teeth and you’re on a meter, you’re paying for water you’re not actually using. 

Simply turning it off when you brush is a simple habit that can save both water and money at the same time. 

5. Reuse water where possible 

What happens to the water you use when you’re washing fruit, vegetables or doing the dishes? 
 
You probably pour it straight down the drain. 

But if you place a bowl in the sink, you can easily use it again to water your plants or garden. 

6. Keep drinking water cold in the fridge 

Instead of letting the tap run until the water is cold, fill a jug and keep it in the fridge. 

This way, you’ve always got a refreshing drink ready and you avoid wasting litres of water while you wait for it to cool down. 

7. Use a water-saving device in your toilet 

Flushing the toilet is one of the biggest water uses in the home.  

But by installing a water-saving device in your cistern, you can reduce how much water is used each time by up to three litres per flush. 

These are often free from your water provider and easy to install. 

It’s also worth looking for other gadgets that can help you cut your water consumption, such as tap aerators. 

8. Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler 

Garden hoses and sprinklers can use between 500 and 1,000 litres of water every hour.  

But you can achieve the same results by simply filling up a watering can. 

You could also collect rainwater in a water butt and use that for your garden instead of tap water. 

9. Install a water-efficient showerhead 

Replacing a standard showerhead with a water-efficient model can cut usage without sacrificing water pressure.  

Many of these devices aerate the flow, so you still get a powerful shower while using much less water.  

Speak to your water company and you might be able to get one free of charge. 

10. Look after your appliances 

Leaky taps, toilets or inefficient appliances can waste hundreds of litres of water every week. 

Make sure you check your plumbing and household appliances regularly for leaks or wear and tear.  

A little maintenance now can prevent big bills later. 

Nearly a quarter of the people we’ve supported with debt advice over the last year have fallen behind on payments to their water company. 

So there are plenty of reasons - both environmental and financial - to save water where possible and get into good habits.