Water Saving Week, which falls between May 15 to 19 this year, is a campaign to raise awareness about the need of reducing water waste. With the weather getting warmer, Kevin Wellman, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) outlines three ways to save water in your house and garden.
Spring is well underway and we’re starting to see a rise in temperatures. With hot weather approaching, we could see water shortages over the coming months. Thankfully, with a few simple changes, you could save hundreds of litres of water every year – benefitting our environment and saving you money.
#Tip 1: Locate leaks
A huge amount of water is lost every day due to leaks. Not only is this harmful to the environment but it adds up financially. On the plus side, it often requires little or no investment to remedy the problem. Water companies also offer some free leak-fixing services for external supply pipes and leaky loos.
Outside taps are frequently overlooked so they can often become the culprit of water waste. If you notice a leak, contacting a qualified plumber should be your immediate next step. In the long term this will save you money, plus it reduces the risk of mould and mildew growth caused by unattended leaks, which could otherwise cause serious health problems.
#Tip 2: Reuse rain
Recycling doesn’t just relate to paper and plastic and should be applied to water as well. Collecting rain in a water butt is a great way to ensure you’ve got enough to water your garden when the weather gets a little dry. You may even be eligible for a free water butt through your water company.
It’s important to keep safe from bacteria which can spread when water butts get warm, so keeping them in a shaded spot can help slow bacteria growth. Regularly using the water helps prevent build ups of nasty bacteria like Legionella, while using a watering can – rather than a hose – helps prevent bacteria from being dispersed in water droplets. By following these guidelines, you can use water wisely and save water safely, all while keeping your garden looking great.
For many, especially families with kids, summer means getting the paddling pool out. Once playtime is over though, what’s the best way of disposing of all that water? If you have a bucket or watering can, one of the best things you can do is save the water for a not-so rainy day to revitalise parched plants.
#Tip 3: Deploy devices
It’s important to get clued up on the water-saving devices available because, once installed, they offer many benefits. Installing a water-saving shower head, for example, will help to make your shower cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
Most water companies offer free or discounted products to help people save water. Cistern bags can save up to two litres per flush, while flow regulated tap aerators reduce the amount of water coming from your taps, making it easier to prevent water waste.
What to keep in mind
The impact of climate change is impossible to ignore, and we have a responsibility to make eco-friendly changes wherever we can. This water saving week, make it a priority to check and fix leaks in your home. Consider recycling your rainwater and researching what devices can help you to save water. The Unified Water Label website (uwla.eu) has excellent guidance on water saving options.
Let’s make positive changes for our environment by using water saving week as an opportunity to learn and apply water saving tools and techniques. Not only that, but we can save serious money by doing the right thing for the planet.
For added peace of mind, use our Find a Plumber or Heating Engineer tool to get help from professional tradespeople in your area.