Despite the seemingly non-stop rainfall in the winter months, it's always the same when summer rolls around. Somewhere in the UK, there's a hosepipe ban. The truth is, we all need to do more to conserve water, not just in summer. Here are a few tips to get you started:
According to Planet Green, a dripping tap can send 20 gallons of water down the drain every day, and a leaky loo can use 90,000 gallons of water in a month. Stop that water from dripping away by changing washers on sink taps and shower heads and checking them regularly for leaks. Prevention is the best approach, in this case.
Lots of new homes are built with water conservation in mind, but if yours isn't one of them, then consider replacing your existing showerhead with the low-flow variety and installing a dual-flush toilet. Check out the efficiency ratings of your dishwasher and washing machine, looking not just at electricity but at water use. Making the right choice when buying a new appliance can save litres of water over its lifetime.
While you may not wish to drink used shower water, your plants won't be as squeamish. Collect the run-off water in empty containers and use this to water your plants. You can do the same with excess water from virtually any washing process (a few soapsuds won't do your garden any harm). Any water your pets haven't drunk can also be used for this purpose. These three tips will help you make a good start on conserving water. Have you got any tips of your own to add?
