With our population projected to increase by another 5 million over the next 20 years and our personal daily water usage nearly doubling in the past 50 years to 143 litres, the UK will need an estimated 3,435 million litres of additional water by 2050. To address this growing demand, adopting water-saving practices in our daily lives is crucial. Here are some practical tips to help you start your journey towards a more water-efficient lifestyle.
Fixing a dripping tap is an essential step. A dripping tap might not seem as critical as a larger leak, but if left unattended, it can waste up to 5,500 litres of water annually – enough to fill a paddling pool every week for an entire summer. By fixing a dripping tap promptly, you not only conserve water but also save on your water bill.
Turning the tap off while brushing your teeth can have a significant impact. Leaving the tap running can waste up to 16 litres of water per brush. When multiplied by the number of people in each household, this amounts to a considerable amount of wasted water. Simply turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can make a substantial difference. If every adult in the UK adopted this practice, it would save enough water to fill 180 Olympic swimming pools every day.
Taking 5-minute showers is another effective measure. Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save 12 litres of water per use. Not only does this conserve water, but it also reduces your energy bills by minimising the time your boiler is running. To help manage your shower time, consider creating a 5-minute playlist. When the music stops, it’s time to turn off the shower and move on with your day. Although you might miss out on some shower karaoke, you’ll be doing your part to protect the planet.
Turning off the shower while lathering can save a significant amount of water. Many people don’t realise that keeping the shower running while shampooing or lathering body wash wastes a considerable amount of water. By turning off the water during these activities, you could save up to 150 gallons of water each month.
Swapping baths for showers can also reduce your water usage. Although baths can be luxurious, they consume nearly twice as much water as showers. On average, a bath uses around 80 litres of water, whereas a shower uses about 35 litres. Reserve baths for occasional treats and opt for quick showers as part of your daily routine. Additionally, you can install a water-efficient showerhead for even greater savings.
Fitting a dual-flush toilet is a smart way to conserve water. Toilets use a surprising amount of water, but installing a dual-flush system can save 6 litres of water per short flush. This simple change can lead to significant water savings and lower water bills.
Using a washing bowl instead of washing up under a running tap can greatly reduce water waste. Washing dishes under a running tap wastes a large amount of water. By filling a bowl with soapy water, you can cut down on water usage considerably and also save on washing-up liquid. Although it might take a bit longer, this method is much more water-efficient.
By adopting these simple water-saving practices, you can make a substantial impact on conserving water and ensuring a sustainable future for our growing population.
Norcros plc (LON:NXR) is a leading B2B producer of branded bathroom and kitchen products for its UK, South African and selected export markets. The portfolio of eleven operating companies (7 UK, 4 South Africa) is characterised by strong individual brands, together providing product breadth and channel diversity from a strong supply chain base.
