How to save on your water bills

Having previously looked in-depth at how insulating your loft can significantly reduce your energy bills, this article focuses on how water bills can be cut by changing our approach to water usage in the home and around the garden.

Using flush toilets

According to Direct Gov a third of the average UK household annual water bill results from flushing the toilet, but thankfully there are a number of things you can do to significantly reduce that percentage. Water displacement devices can reduce the amount of water used when flushing - saving up to two litres per flush - depending upon type of cistern. These devices are available from major DIY stores complete with fitting instructions, or contact a local plumber if you need help.

Brushing teeth, shaving and hand-washing

According to DEFRA up to five litres of water a minute can be wasted simply by leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing hands. Even taking only a couple of minutes to clean your teeth, twice a day that would amount to 20 litres per day or a staggering 7,300 litres per year; water simply coming out of the tap and disappearing straight down the drain!

As water bills are split into two with a cost for provision and a cost for sewage you will be paying twice to simply pour clean water away. Learning to turn off the tap whilst being engaged in brushing teeth, shaving and hand washing will save a considerable amount on your annual water bill as well as helping with water conservation.

Showers v baths

Taking showers used to be more water efficient than filling a bath. However, that rule only applied prior to the introduction of power showers and over-sized shower heads. Now taking a power shower in excess of five minutes can actually use more water than filling a bath. Fitting an aerated shower head can cut water consumption by up to 30%. However, if the shower is electric do not take this action as it could lead to overheating the water. Of course, spending the amount of time taken having a shower could also reduce water consumption!

Purchase water-efficient appliances

All new washing machines and dishwashers are rated under EU regulations for efficiency. When replacing appliances make sure that you choose one that is the most efficient A-rated and avoid G-rated appliance at all costs. Once installed, for more efficient use of the machines only use them when they are full.

Grey water

New housing developments include grey water systems which collect used water from wash basins, baths and showers to be re-used to flush toilets. However, retro-fitting this type of system to an existing plumbing system is possible but may take some years to pay back from itself.

Maintain your plumbing

Dripping taps can waste an incredible amount of water every year, and although it may seem like a few drops and not worth fixing, leaking or faulty washers only cost a few pence to replace. As already mentioned, fitting aerated shower heads can also reduce water consumption.

In the Garden

Finally, in the garden there are several ways of cutting water consumption and not sacrificing your enjoyment of your lawns, plants, shrubs and trees. First, ditch the hose when watering and instead use more efficient watering cans. Secondly, use water butts to collect rainwater which can then be used to water plants. By not using mains water your bill will be considerably reduced.

Follow one or all of the tips given above and you will considerably reduce your water consumption, enjoy cheaper water bills and help the plant conserve water; an impressive triple win!

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