Saving water in the garden
From smart planting, to ditching the hosepipe – you can save water and money by getting your garden as water efficient as possible.
Why use less water?
Keeping your lawn perfect and your begonias blooming can take a lot of water. Especially in summer when pressure on water supplies is high.
Did you know a hosepipe or sprinkler can use a massive 1000 litres an hour? All this water has to come from somewhere and our reservoir levels can drop to worryingly low levels.
What can you do to help?
The good news is that there's some pretty simple things you can do to use less water in your garden, and they could save you some money too! We've even got some free gadgets to help you.
Garden water saving tips
Our top tips to save as much water as possible in your garden.
Easy wins ⭐
Lose the hose, ditch the sprinkler. Sprinklers and hoses use about 1,000 litres of water an hour – wasting it on places that don't need it. Use a watering can and target only the places that really need it.
Leave your lawn. During dry weather your lawn will naturally turn a little brown. Unless it's newly laid, it will survive just fine and go green the next time it rains.
Watch the weather. Check the forecast – if it's due to rain in the next few days, can watering wait?
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt. With a water butt you'll have loads of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, and save money on your bills (if you have a water meter).
Smart watering. Water in the morning when it's cooler and less will evaporate in the sun. Also, water your plants at their roots rather than covering the whole plant.
Get mulching. Mulch is any material that is spread across soil as a covering (e.g. bark chips). It saves water by retaining moisture in hot weather, and also helps with weeds.
Go easy on the paddling pools! We know paddling pools are lots of fun, but they also use A LOT of water. We think a half full pool is just as much fun, and you can make the water last a second day if you cover it. And remember to use the water for your plants when you've finished.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Recycle your Grey water. 'Grey' water is any water that you've previously used in your home, that is safe for watering your plants (no harsh cleaning chemicals). This could include water used for dish washing, rinsing fruit and veg, baths, drinks and especially paddling pools – every little helps!
Plant a low water garden. This will require a bit of forward thinking and planning, but planting a drought resistant garden will pay off in years to come. Not only will you save water and money, your garden will potentially be lower maintenance, meaning you can spend more time enjoying it!
You don't have to redesign your garden in one go, replacing plants gradually over time will help too.
Useful links:
RHS - Drought resistant gardening
RHS - Lawn care for drought
RHS - Drought resistant plants
Our other top water saving tips
We've put together a list of changes you can make to save water. They're broken down into 3 levels, something easy everyone can do, something that takes a bit more work, and a tip if you're dedicated to saving every drop.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
FREE water saving devices
Discover our range of free water saving devices are easy to install and help you to reduce the water you use in your home.
