Updated: 31-May-2012

Saving Water

10 Top Tips How To Save Water And Money For Nothing

These water saving tips cost nothing and may seem obvious but from experience most people ignore them and waste money unnecessarily. Some only require getting into the habit of thinking is there a good reason why I am doing it.

For more ideas on saving water check out saving water room by room.

For more information on these tips take a look at the water saving section.

1. Turn Off Taps As Soon As You Have Enough Water

Sinks normally have a plug - use it wherever possible rather than just leaving the water running. Turning off the tap while you clean your teeth can save up to 5 litres a minute. In the kitchen use a washing up bowl to save wasting water.

2. Turn Off Taps Properly After Use

A small drip can waste an awful lot of water. if this is not possible then repair or replace the tap. A slow dripping tap can lose over 6 litres of water a day.

3. Don't Run The Tap Until You Get Cold Water

Keep a jug of cold water in the fridge for cold drinks.

4. Only Fill The Kettles With As Much Water As You Need

This also reduces the energy used to heat the kettle..

5. Wash Vegetables Such As Fruit And Vegetables In A Bowl

Rather than under a running tap.

6. Load Dishwashers And Washing Machines To Capacity

Rather than using the machine half full, wait till there is a full load. Washing machines use between 45 and 90 litres of water a load. Dishwashers use between 11 and 22 litres a load. Overloading dishwashers and washing machines can be as bad as under loading them due to having to wash some things twice.

7. Use Rain Water And Waste Water To Water The Garden & House Plants

Provided the water is not too contaminated e.g. water used to wash vegetables.

8. Minimise Hosepipe Use And Don't Leave The Hose Running When Not In Use

Use a bucket of water rather than a hosepipe to wash the car, if practicable use a watering can for the garden. A hosepipe uses around 15 litres a minute.

9. Use A Shower Or Only Fill The Bath WIth As Much Water As You Need

A 5 minute shower can use about one third the water of a bath BUT if you have a power shower or one fed at mains pressure they can use up to 20 litres a minute. Baths can use around three times more water than a shower.

10. Only Fill Saucepans With As Much Water As You Need

Rather than filling a saucepan with water only fill it enough to cover what you are cooking. This also saves heating energy.