Saving water
We've all grown up taking water for granted. Turn on the tap and there's water. Flush the toilet and there's water. We use water without really thinking about it. We've never had to change our ways - until now.
Are there really water supply problems when it rains such a lot? When we often have soggy summers and wet winters, many people are surprised to learn that parts of England and Wales have less water available per person than countries such as Greece or Spain. With a growing population our demand for water has risen steadily over the past 20 years, and we must start saving water in order to meet our future needs.
Nearly a third of all the water we each use every day goes straight down the toilet or plug hole without being used. We want to encourage people to start reducing their water waste.
How much water do we use?
The average person uses approximately 50 cubic meters (m3) of water a year. A cubic meter is 1,000 litres, about the same as 12 baths. Typical consumption figures are:
- one bath uses approximately 80 litres
- a water efficient shower uses less than 8 litres a minute
- a power shower uses over 15 litres a minute
- a toilet flush uses between 6 and 9 litres and we all flush the toilet on average 5 times each day
- leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth uses approximately 6 litres of water
- turning the tap on and off while brushing your teeth uses approximately 1 litre of water
- the average watering can holds 5 litres of water
- running a hosepipe for a minute uses approximately 6 litres of water
- dishwashers use on average 20 litres of water for each wash
- washing machines use on average 65 litres of water for each wash
We have been working with the Environment Agency to develop water audits for homes and schools. Complete the school and home water audits, and see how you can save not only water, but money as well! Download the resources on the right hand side for more hints and tips on saving water.
