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DRARA
Environment Action Group –
Green Flash No. 31, April 2012
How to use less water
We are now officially in a drought after a period of well below average rainfall for the past 18 months. A hosepipe ban comes into force in our area on 5 April 2012.
People living in our area already use more water per head than other parts of the UK. The average person in this area uses 160 litres of water per day. Climate change and a growing population mean that water will become an increasingly scarce resource. Moving water around (its heavy!) and heating it for cooking and washing, are significant causes of greenhouse gas emissions. If we save water, we save energy too.
Think before you use water - ask yourself what the water is for and if you really need to use it.
Some things you can do to avoid wasting water.
Thames Water’s ‘top ten tips’ are:
1. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. A running tap uses six litres of water per minute.
2. Have a shower instead of a bath. This can save over 300 litres of water a week.
3. Fit a ‘save a flush’ device to your toilet cistern. Saves one litre per flush.
4. Fully load your washing machine
5. Keep a jug of cool water in the fridge. The water is cold rather than having to run the tap.
6. Don’t leave the tap running when cleaning dishes or vegetables
7. Fix leaking taps. A leaking tap can wastes water – see ‘general’ below.
8. Order and use a water butt
9. Use a bucket when you wash the car
10. Water your garden in the early morning or late evening
For further information on water saving appliances see these links.
§ Shower Power campaign from Waterwise
General
Dripping taps can waste up to 140 litres per week. Replace worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water.
Burst water pipes can cause serious damage as well as waste water. Ensure your water pipes and external taps are lagged in time for the cold winter months.
Why should you switch to a water meter
You will almost certainly save money on your water bill by having a meter installed. Most people also find they use less water after having a meter installed, and this helps protect the environment.
Switching to a water meter means you will only be charged for the water you use - in the same way that you only pay for the gas and electricity you use. Water meters work like gas and electric meters. They measure the amount of water you use in litres.
Thames Water will install household water meters free of charge and you have the option to go back to an unmetered charge during the first year after it is fitted. So there are no hidden costs, nor penalty for testing how a metered supply would alter the amount you pay.
You may find you start saving money right away but even if this is not the case, you can reduce your bill by changing how you use water.
For more information about having a water meter, contact Thames Water our local water company on 0845 9200 888 or www.thameswater.co.uk
Coming soon – look out for our next Green Flash on saving water in the garden!
The DRARA Environment Action Group aims to support practical ways of reducing energy use and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.
For further information please contact:
Anna Eden - E: annae...@hotmail.com
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