Drought
Future Water
The Government have publised Future Water to highlighted the use of water resources and climate change.
Future Water - The Government's water strategy for England PDF
Drought and Water-saving tips
Saving water at home
By thinking carefully about your water use in the home and changing some water-wasting habits, it is easy to save water.
- Vegetables and fruit should be washed in a bowl rather than under a running tap and the leftover water can be used for watering house plants.
- Use the minimum amount of water required when you boil water in saucepans and kettles; that way, you'll save energy as well as water.
- Try keeping a bottle or jug of water in the fridge instead of running taps until the water runs cold.
- Half-load programmes on dishwashers and washing machines use more than half the water and energy of a full load. Wait until you have a full load before switching the machine on.
- Try not to leave the tap running while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your hands, as this can waste up to 5 litres of water per minute.
- A 5-minute shower uses about a third of the water of a bath. But remember that power showers can use more water than a bath in less than 5 minutes.
- Old toilet cisterns can use as much as 9 litres of clean water every flush. Reduce this by placing a 'save-a-flush' or 'hippo' in the cistern.
- Cotton wool and tissues should be put in a waste bin rather than flushed down the toilet.
- Dripping taps can waste up to 4 litres of water a day. Replace worn tap washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water.
- Burst water pipes can cause serious damage as well as wasting water.
- Ensure your water pipes and external taps are lagged in time for the cold winter months.
further information
- Water situation for England and Wales – Environment Agency
- Water policy - DEFRA
- Regulatory Authority – OFWAT
- Water Industry Association – Water UK
- Water Quality – Drinking Water Inspectorate
- Representing water and sewage consumers - Consumer Council for Water
- Water companies – Thames Water, Sutton and East Surrey, South East, Southern, Three Valleys.
Latest information
Drought – What’s Happening
Find Out moreHarvesting Rainwater for domestic uses
Find out moreLocation of Hosepipe bans
Find out moreWater 4 life – for children
Find out moreSustainable Water Resources
Find out moreDownloads
How can I help myself and my family prepare for emergencies?
Future Water - The Government's water strategy for England PDF
