Water Saving Week

Water Saving Week

Water Saving Week, organised by Waterwise, is an annual campaign that encourages us all to think a little more carefully about how we use water every day.

Waterwise is the UK’s leading independent, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to using water wisely for the benefit of people and the planet.

It’s not just about using less water. Every single drop we save helps protect our rivers, lakes and wildlife, which in turn reduces the energy needed to treat and heat water. And as an added bonus, many water-saving habits can help lower your utility bills too.

What Is Water Saving Week and Why Should You Care?

Water Saving Week aims to raise awareness of just how valuable water is and inspire people to make simple changes that can have a big impact.

It’s easy to take clean, running water for granted. We use it to shower, cook, clean and water our gardens without giving it a second thought. But with growing pressure on water supplies and climate change affecting rainfall, using water wisely has never been more important.

The good news is that saving water doesn’t have to mean making big sacrifices. In fact, a few simple changes to your daily routine can make a real difference to both the environment and your household bills.

Here are some easy ways to get started.

Our Top Water-Saving Tips

🚿 Choose a Shower Instead of a Bath

A five-minute shower typically uses around 40 litres of water, while a standard bath can use around 80 litres. Swapping just one bath for a shower each day could save around 45 litres of water.

🪥 Turn the Tap Off While Brushing Your Teeth

Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth can waste up to 9 litres of water every minute. Simply turning it off until you need to rinse is an effortless way to save water.

💧 Fix Dripping Taps and Leaks

A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but over time it can waste thousands of litres of water every year. If you notice a leak, it’s worth getting it repaired as soon as possible.

🥣 Reuse Water Where You Can

When washing fruit, vegetables or dishes, use a bowl instead of letting the tap run continuously. You can even reuse the leftover water to feed your houseplants or water your garden.

🧊 Keep Cold Water in the Fridge

Instead of running the tap until it gets cold, fill a reusable jug or bottle and keep it in the fridge. You’ll always have cold drinking water ready and you’ll waste much less water in the process. Plus, a fuller fridge can actually use less energy an thus cost less, because there’s less empty space to cool.

👕 Wait Until You Have a Full Load

Your washing machine and dishwasher use roughly the same amount of water whether they’re full or half empty. Waiting until you have a full load helps make every cycle as efficient as possible.

🌼 Water Your Garden Wisely

Using a watering can instead of a hosepipe or sprinkler can save between 500 and 1,000 litres of water every hour. Watering early in the morning or later in the evening also reduces evaporation. Let your plants get more of the water they need.

🚽 Save Water Every Time You Flush

Adding a water-saving device to your toilet cistern can reduce the amount of water used with every flush, saving between 1 and 3 litres each time.

🌧️ Install a Water Butt

A water butt collects rainwater from your roof, providing a free supply of water for your garden. Most hold around 200 litres, making them a fantastic way to reduce your mains water use during warmer months.

Every Drop Makes a Difference

All of these simple habits like can save thousands of litres of water over the course of a single year.

By making a few small tweaks today, you’ll do your bit in helping protect our precious water supplies, reduce your environmental impact and, in many cases, save money too!

Looking for More Ways to Save Money?

Saving water is just one way to lower your household bills. Check out our energy-saving guide for more practical tips.

If you live in Peterborough, South Cambridgeshire or Rutland, find out if you’re eligible for a free LEAP Home Energy Visit.

Our friendly advisors can provide personalised energy advice, install free energy-saving measures, check whether you’re paying the right water tariff, provide free water-saving devices where appropriate, and make sure you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to.