The problem ....
- Collecting, treating and pumping water for use in our homes uses energy
- That energy has been produced in a power station which burned coal, oil and gas to produce it – emitting CO2
- Wetlands are drying out, releasing CO2 which has been locked away for thousands of years
What can I do ....
- Less water = Less CO2
- Never leave a tap running
- Don’t keep the tap running when you brush your teeth – use a mug instead
- Have a shower instead of a bath – a 5 minute power shower uses as much water as a bath
- Fix any leaky taps
- Avoid using sprinklers and garden hoses – using a watering can where possible
- Collect water from your roof in a water butt or two
- Use a bowl to wash vegetables and use the used water on your house or garden plants
- Store and chill drinking water in the fridge to avoid buying bottled water
- Only use a dishwasher on full load – avoid the half load button
- Choose a slim-line toilet or fit a HIPPO water saving device to your existing toilet – both of these measures will save you a great many litres in flushing water
- Place water butts on sheds and green houses
The amount of water used by everyday appliances (in litres)
| Everyday appliance |
Litres Used |
| Bath |
80 |
| 5 minute shower |
90 |
| 5 minute power shower |
356 |
| Brushing teeth with tap off |
1 |
| Brushing teeth with tap on |
6/min |
| One toilet flush |
9 |
| Other water use (drinking/cooking) |
25 |
| Washing machine |
60 |
| Dishwashing |
40 |
| Washing car with a bucket |
10 |
| Hosepipe/sprinkler |
540/hour |
Related pages