Saving H2O: 14 verified methods to minimize water usage at home and garden
Save water like never before in the UK! Despite our famed rainy weather, various regions are grappling with water shortage issues due to escalating droughts and soaring temperatures. In fact, the UK government issues a stern warning that some locations may run out of drinkable water within ten years. Adding to the woes, water bills are set to surge in 2025, averaging a whopping £603 per household – that's a 27% increase over the previous year! Adopting water-saving measures is now more essential than ever before. Here's a list of 14 strategies to help you cut down water consumption at home and in your garden:
- Install a Water Harvesting System
Fancy a simple, eco-friendly solution to save water? Go for a water butt for rainwater collection. Harvest this precious liquid for watering your garden, cleaning, or even toilet flushing with the right setup. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also helps you break free from your reliance on expensive mains water.
- Low-Flow Taps Galore
Want a strong stream with less water usage? Go for low-flow taps that mix air with water to create a robust stream, saving water in the process. Some designs offer both everyday and eco-friendly settings you can switch at will.
Top Picks for Low-Flow Taps
- Chrome-plated sink mixer: Fashionable and functional for low-pressure washing.
- Black basin mixer tap: Slick looking, singles lever faucet perfect for hot and cold water usage.
- Dual-Flush Toilets Revolution
Prefer two flush options? Opt for dual-flush toilets that consume much less water (typically 4-6 litres per flush versus 13 litres for older models). Just remember to maintain them well to prevent leaks, which can lead to unnecessary water wastage.
- Reed Beds: The Green Solution
In search of a natural, eco-friendly sewage treatment option? Go for reed beds! They team up wonderfully with septic tanks. Wastewater drains from your house into the septic tank, and later, it slowly filters through the reed bed, where plants and microbes decompose impurities, leaving clean water suitable for returning to the ground or nearby waterways.
Melvyn Rutter of YES Reedbeds says, “Reed beds are now recognized as one of the best eco-friendly methods for managing wastewater. They aid in maintaining waterways, support biodiversity, and offer habitats."
Get to know Melvyn Rutter: An expert consulting on natural wastewater treatment solutions harnessing reedbed filtration systems for homes, farms, businesses, and industries.
- Opt for a Compact Bath
Prefer baths over showers? Choose a space-saving bath just for you. They use less water while still providing a comfortable soak.
- Smart Water Leak Detectors
Worried about hidden water leaks? Fear not! Get yourself a smart water leak detector, such as the X-Sense on Amazon, that detects leaks early, preventing water waste and possible damage to your property. Some devices also monitor your water consumption, enabling you to track and minimize it.
- Choose Water-Efficient Appliances
Saving water with modern dishwashers, like the Miele G 7160 SCVi, is a breeze! These water-saving wonders offer eco-settings that cut back on water without sacrificing performance! And don't forget about eco-friendly washing machines, such as the AEGLFX50844B Freestanding Washing Machine, which also sport eco settings to help you conserve even more water.
Always run these appliances with full loads for best results!
- Reuse Greywater
Fancy reusing the relatively clean wastewater from your home like a pro? Opt for greywater recycling! It's the perfect water source for garden irrigation, letting you save water when you're watering outdoors.
- Install a Green Roof
Yearning for a beautiful, green addition to your property? Why not go for a lush green roof? Not only will it absorb rainwater, reducing runoff, but it also provides insulation, helps air quality, and can even support local wildlife!
According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), green roofs can minimize the influx of water into the drainage system by up to 80%, depending on the system used.
- Build a Soakaway
Fed up with wasting potable water? Have a soakaway installed! This collection pit allows rainwater to infiltrate the ground, thus saving water away from the drains. It also helps replenish underground water reserves during dry spells or droughts. Plus, they often qualify you for a surface water drainage rebate on your water bill!
- Design a Water-Efficient Garden
Water-saving landscaping is the way forward in gardens! Incorporate drought-resistant plants, group them based on their water needs, and consider drip irrigation systems for accurate watering.
- Install Rain Chains
Got your eye on some trendy drainage alternatives? Check out rain chains! These decorative, downspout alternatives channel rainwater from your gutters to storage containers or the ground. Not only do they jazz up your garden, but they also promote water harvesting. Rain chains have gained popularity in the West for their longevity and design origins in Japan.
Here are some top picks:
- 8cm Outdoor Rain Chain: Creative design, tough material for long-lasting functionality and looks.
- Birds Rain Chain Adapter: Attractive rain chimes suitable for garden sheds.
- Downspouts Drainage Chain: Villa-style eaves raincatcher chain perfect for enhancing the look of your property.
- Embrace Natural Lawn Cycles
Over-watering lawns? Cut it out! Instead, let your grass go brown during drought periods – it's a natural response, and it won't harm the grass, promise! Alex Plant, CEO of Scottish Water, advises, "Embrace brown lawns and avoid using sprinklers amid ongoing water scarcity."
- Water-Saving Showerheads
Craving the latest, eco-friendly shower accessories? Discover water-saving showerheads armed with smart technologies, such as pulsation and aeration, to ensure you have a satisfying shower experience while saving water. Shelling out more on the best electric showers means you can enjoy the water-saving benefits in the long run.
By adopting these strategies, not only are you contributing to preserving a vital resource, but you may also see a significant reduction in your water bills! With the UK's water infrastructure under pressure, every small effort counts towards ensuring a sustainable water future.
- For a home extension, consider incorporating insulation to help manage water consumption and reduce energy costs associated with heating and cooling the space.
- In your home's design, integrate scientific principles to implement water-saving measures, such as the use of reflective materials for sunlight control and efficient lighting systems to reduce energy consumption.
- When redesigning your kitchen or choosing new appliances, opt for energy-efficient models, which often use less water than their traditional counterparts.
- To save water in the bathroom, consider installing low-flow showerheads or dual-flush toilets, which consume less water without compromising cleanliness or comfort.
- Be mindful of the environmental impact of your home-and-garden projects by choosing eco-friendly materials, such as recycled wood for doors or sustainable landscaping options like drought-resistant plants.
- Embrace a water-saving lifestyle by using water-saving tools and practices throughout your home, such as intelligent watering systems and rainwater collection systems for garden irrigation.
- By paying attention to the science behind water harvesting and efficient usage, you can contribute to environmental conservation efforts while enjoying practical and stylish home solutions.
- Advocate for the adoption of water-saving strategies in your local community, such as promoting water-saving appliances and encouraging awareness of the importance of water conservation in everyday life.
- Attend environmental-science workshops or courses to expand your knowledge on water conservation, sustainable living, and green technologies for your home and garden.
