We all need water and use it in so many ways around the home. Whether it’s cooking, washing our hands, showering, bathing, cleaning, gardening, washing the car or simply flushing the toilet. The litres soon add up!

 

145 bottles of water (1)

Each household in the UK uses on average around 345 litres of water each day – that’s 145 litres per person, every day.

- Energy Saving Trust

Did you know that using more water can also affect your other utility bills! About 12% of a typical gas-heated household’s energy bill is from heating the water for showers, baths, and hot water from the tap.

 

How can I save water?

 

An icon of a tap with a drop of water coming out of it

A running tap can use more than ten litres of water a minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. Use cold water if you don’t need hot.

An icon of a shower over a bath tub

Showers use a lot less water and energy than baths. It may be the biggest saving you can make in your day-to-day.

Cutting just one minute from your daily shower can make a big difference. In a four-person metered household with a power shower, this could save around £120 a year through lower energy and water bills.

An icon of a washing machine

Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before using them, and regularly choose the most water- and energy-efficient settings.

A modern washing machine uses around 50 litres of water per cycle, so washing a full load is more efficient in terms of both water and energy use. Just be careful not to overload it.

An icon of a hand in a water bowl

Using a washing-up bowl instead of leaving the tap running can help save water, energy and money, especially if you have a water meter. A running tap can use around 9 litres of water a minute, while a typical washing-up bowl holds only 8 to 10 litres.

A water bottle next to a house plant

Unfinished drinks or ice cubes can all be used to water house or garden plants. Remember that your plants get thirsty too.

Plan Ahead

Putting the exact amount of water you need in the kettle saves both water and energy. Most kettles have indicators letting you know how much water you need for each cup.

Turn the tap off

A running tap can use more than ten litres of water a minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. Use cold water if you don’t need hot.

An icon of a tap with a drop of water coming out of it
Bathe less, shower more

Showers use a lot less water and energy than baths. It may be the biggest saving you can make in your day-to-day.

Cutting just one minute from your daily shower can make a big difference. In a four-person metered household with a power shower, this could save around £120 a year through lower energy and water bills.

An icon of a shower over a bath tub
Be water efficient

Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are full before using them, and regularly choose the most water- and energy-efficient settings.

A modern washing machine uses around 50 litres of water per cycle, so washing a full load is more efficient in terms of both water and energy use. Just be careful not to overload it.

An icon of a washing machine
Use a bowl in the sink

Using a washing-up bowl instead of leaving the tap running can help save water, energy and money, especially if you have a water meter. A running tap can use around 9 litres of water a minute, while a typical washing-up bowl holds only 8 to 10 litres.

An icon of a hand in a water bowl
Make the most of leftovers

Unfinished drinks or ice cubes can all be used to water house or garden plants. Remember that your plants get thirsty too.

A water bottle next to a house plant
Plan ahead

Putting the exact amount of water you need in the kettle saves both water and energy. Most kettles have indicators letting you know how much water you need for each cup.

Plan Ahead

We aim to install devices that are efficient to reduce the amount of water used in our homes. We’re also working in partnership with local water companies such as Severn Trent Water and South Staffordshire Water to offer water saving advice, install water saving devices and repair any leaks as quickly as possible.

Find out more about our partnerships and programmes below.

Our partnership with Severn Trent Water