Be Water Wise

If we all do a little to save water, it will add up to a lot. Here are some tips on what you can do to make a difference.

Saving Water Outside

Water the highest parts of the garden first then any run off will go to the lower dry areas.
Dig a small trench around trees to help retain water.
Watering in the early morning or evening reduces water lost to evaporation.
It's preferable to use a bucket to wash the car instead of the hose, saves up to 125 litres of water.
Wash your car like professional race-car groomers – use a dry-washing agent and wax. This looks after the paintwork and keeps the car looking its glossy best
Wash your car on the grass and water your lawn at the same time.
Don't leave the sprinkler running all day - use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn it off.
Sweep paths and drive ways instead of washing them.

Take shorter showers, every minute less saves seven litres of water.
Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, a running tap wastes 10 litres per minute.
Put the plug in the sink when preparing vegetables and save up to 10 litres per minute.
Wait until you have a full load before starting your dishwasher, use the eco-setting - saves 40 litres for each wash
Keep a jug of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap water until its cold - saves up to 2 litres per glass
When boiling vegetables, use just enough water to cover them and use a tight fitting pot lid - better still, use the microwave
Check your toilet for leaks - put a few drops of food colouring into the toilet cistern. If it appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs repairing. Leaks waste up to 32,000 litres per month
Repair leaky taps, hoses or fittings - that goes for sinks, basins and outside taps too. This can save up to 32,000 litres per month.