Despite the deluge we have received this winter, water remains a precious resource whether hot or cold!  What most people don't realise however, is that water use in the home accounts on average for 23% of domestic heating bills, about 13% of a home's total energy bill.  

 

Here are a number of tips to save not only water but also energy.

 

 

• Instead of running the tap until the water is cold enough for a drink, keep a jug or a bottle of it stored in the fridge.
• Wash fruit and vegetables in a pan rather than under a running tap.
• A dripping tap can waste more than 5,500 litres of water a year so make sure taps are properly turned off and change the washer as soon as dripping starts!
• It is always far more efficient in both energy and water if the washing machine and dishwasher is full before starting a cycle.
• If you use gas, use your boiler to heat water even in the summer, it is cheaper than using the immersion. 
• Make sure your hot water is on a timer so that you have hot water only when you are likely to need it.
• Check the temperature of your hot water cylinder thermostat – it does not need to be any higher than 60°c. 
• Make sure you regularly decalcify your hot water tank (once every 1-2 years depending on how hard the water is in your area) (1 mm of scale can increase your electricity consumption by as much as 10%)

 

Top tip activity

About 30% of all water used in the home is flushed down the toilet every day!  A quick and easy solution is simply to add a plastic bottle filled with water to your cistern or purchase a cheap water saver.  Many water companies, including Severn Trent provide water saving devices for free - http://www.severntrent.savewater.co.uk/Shop/Free_Products.html

 

 

Did you know?

A running tap wastes more than six litres of water a minute – turn it off whilst brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your face.

 

 

 

Want to do more?

Consider fitting aerators to your bathroom and kitchen taps which will reduce the flow of water without changing how it feels.   If a family of 4 replace their inefficient shower head with a water-efficient one they could save around £72 on their gas bill and around £72 on their water bill.

 

 

 

For more information visit the Waterwise website www.waterwise.org.uk, alternatively compare products that meet the industry's standards for water efficiency on the water label website, www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk

 

 

 

 

 

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