6 Ways You Can Reduce Water Waste

When we think about sustainability, water waste often slips under the radar. Yet, the average person in the UK uses an astounding 152 litres of water daily! This includes everything from flushing toilets and washing clothes to more obvious uses like drinking and cooking. These figures highlight the importance of water conservation, especially as water scarcity becomes an increasing global issue.

Luckily, there are many simple ways to reduce water consumption at home. Below are six practical tips to help you cut down on water waste and make your home more water-efficient.

1. Check Your Toilet for Efficiency and Leaks

Toilets account for a significant portion of household water usage, with each flush consuming between 7 to 12 litres of water. There are a couple of ways to reduce this:

• Install a water-saving device: You can use a water-saving bag, bottle, or even a brick to displace water in your cistern, cutting down on how much is used per flush.
• Replace your flush system: Modern toilets with dual-flush options allow for half flushes, saving water when a full flush isn’t needed.
• Fix leaks: A leaking toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water a day. To check for leaks, place a piece of toilet paper at the back of the bowl after flushing. If it’s wet after an hour, you may have a leak that needs fixing.

2. Install Water-Saving Faucets and Shower Heads

Faucets and shower heads are often big culprits when it comes to water waste, but a simple switch to water-saving fixtures can make a huge difference.

• Fit aerators to taps: Tap aerators mix water with air, reducing the flow without compromising pressure. They can reduce water usage from 15 litres per minute to as low as 6 litres.
• Eco shower heads: These work similarly to tap aerators and can cut water consumption by up to 50%, while still maintaining good water pressure. Look for models specifically designed for water conservation.

3. Use a Rainwater Catcher

A rainwater collection system is a great way to save water for tasks like gardening. Installing a water butt under a gutter allows you to collect rainwater, which can be used to water plants, reducing your reliance on tap water.

• Gardening tip: If you’re an avid gardener, having several rain catchers can give you a sufficient supply of water during the drier months.
• Avoid using greywater: While it’s tempting to reuse household greywater (e.g., from washing machines), avoid using it long-term for plants as it can contain harmful chemicals. Only use greywater in extreme drought conditions, and never on edible plants.

4. Optimise Your Dishwashing Routine

Dishwashing is another area where significant water savings can be made:

• Dishwasher vs. handwashing: For smaller households, handwashing might be more water-efficient, using around 10 litres for a full load. For larger households, a full dishwasher is more efficient, saving up to 50% more water.
• Maximise efficiency: Only run the dishwasher when it’s completely full, and avoid rinsing dishes beforehand unless necessary.

5. Check and Fix Leaks Promptly

A leaky tap might not seem like a big deal, but even a small drip can waste up to 25 litres of water per day. To detect leaks:

• Check your water meter: Turn off all water in the house and monitor the meter. If the reading changes, you likely have a leak.
• Look for signs of leaks: Keep an eye out for mould, damp smells, or unusual noises in your plumbing. Fixing small leaks quickly can prevent significant water waste.

6. Reduce Your Reliance on Running Water

One of the easiest ways to reduce water consumption is to limit the use of running taps. Simple changes like turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving can save litres of water each day.

• Use standing water: Fill a basin for tasks like washing vegetables or rinsing dishes rather than leaving the tap running. This can be especially helpful if you don’t have a dual-sink setup.
• Switch to eco-friendly products: Try chewable toothpaste tabs like GudYu, which reduce water usage during production and eliminate the need for rinsing. Simply chew, brush, and spit without turning on the tap!

Making Water Conservation a Habit

Conserving water doesn’t require drastic changes. Start by incorporating small habits, like installing water-saving fixtures or fixing leaks, and gradually work your way up to larger adjustments. Over time, these water reduction strategies will become second nature, and you’ll see a noticeable impact on both your water bill and your environmental footprint.

By being mindful of water waste and taking simple actions at home, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.