Save water

The water we use at home contributes to both our energy bills and our household carbon footprint. Water use makes up 6% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. 1% of this is from the treatment & transport of water and wastewater, and the remaining 5% is from the energy used to heat water in the home.

Saving water can reduce your water bill (if you’re on a water meter), your energy bill, your CO₂ emissions and your impact on your local environment.

Here are some of the many ways you can save water at home:

• Use cold water for laundry (washing on 30°C)
• Fix leaky taps
• Make sure your dishwasher is full before running it
• Use a bowl for washing up rather than keeping the tap running
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
• Choose a shower over a bath
• Take shorter showers – Cutting your shower by 2 minutes can save over 21,500 litres and at least £50 off your energy bill each year
• Install a low flow showerhead
• Use a bucket and sponge to wash your car instead of a hose
• Use a watering can to water your garden plants not a hose – ideally install a water butt under your outdoor drains to catch and store rainwater
• Water your plants with grey water – from the washing up or the bath
• Install a water-saving dual-flush toilet – or you can use a simple cistern displacement device. Just put it in the tank, and you’ll cut your water use on average by 5,000 litres a year.

For more tips on how to save water at home visit Scottish Water.