Water is a precious resource that we often take for granted. Every day we each use about 150 litres of clean water. As consumers we need to be aware of how our choices can have an impact in the future. It is important that we try to use our water wisely and reduce the amount we waste.
Water Efficiency at home:
Using water wisely in the home has many benefits, not only for the environment but also by lowering energy bills. Around a quarter of a household’s energy bill comes from using hot water. So you can save water, energy and money as well.
Below are some easy ways to save water and energy:
- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving – a running tap can use up to six litres a minute;
- Fix dripping taps – they can waste up to 30 litres of water a day;
- When putting the kettle on only boil the amount of water you need (but remember to cover the element if you are using an electric kettle);
- Fully load your dishwasher or washing machine before putting it on;
- Fill a jug with tap water and leave it to cool in your fridge. This way you don't have to run the tap for ages just to get a cold drink;
- Use a water butt to collect rain water to water the garden.
- Older toilet cisterns can use as much as nine litres of water per flush. Installing a water displacement device that takes up space in your cistern; eg “Hippo bags” or “Save a Flush bags” can reduce this by as much as a third. Hippo bags are available free of charge from NI Water’s education department.
(Please note: dual flush, slim line and cisterns using less than six litres of water will not require a device.)
For further water saving tips for businesses and farms click here.
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