How can you save water?
Our top tips and changes you can make to use water carefully and save every drop.
Every drop you save
Saving water isn't as hard as you might think. Little changes, like swapping a bath for a shower or getting a water butt, all add up and make a big difference. And you'll save money too!
Save water in 3 steps
1. Get water smart
It’s easy to take water for granted, just turn on the tap and out it comes. We'd simply like you to think about how you use water – treat every drop carefully, reduce waste and try not to take it for granted!
2. Switch to a water meter
This is one of the biggest things you can do to help. You’ll naturally use less water and it will also help us find and fix leaks. The best part? It's COMPLETELY FREE and on average people save £109 a year!
3. Look out for leaks
Our customers are our eyes and ears. If you see a suspicious damp patch on the pavement or a trickle from a manhole, please let us know. Our teams will find it and fix it as quickly as possible.
FREE water saving gadgets
From 4 minute shower challenge timers to magical Swellgel to reduce watering in your garden – check out our free (or low-cost) devices to help save water and money in your home.
Our 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.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
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.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
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.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
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.
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