We all love summer – it’s a great time to enjoy the sunshine, spend time outside, and care for your home and garden. But when the weather gets hotter, we often use more water than we need. That’s why this summer would be the perfect time to make a few simple changes to help you save water and protect the local environment at the same time.
Here are some easy and eco-friendly habits to try at home this summer:
1. Garden smart, water less
- Water early or late – The best time to water your plants is early in the morning or in the evening. This helps stop the water from evaporating too quickly in the heat.
- Use a watering can – A watering can gives you more control than a hose and helps you only water where it’s needed.
- Add mulch – Putting mulch (like bark or wood chips) around your plants helps the soil hold on to water for longer.
- Choose drought tolerant plants – You can use lavender or rosemary to keep your garden looking great while using less water.
- Reuse water – Don’t let used water go to waste, like from your paddling pool or your cooking, use it on your garden.
- Plan ahead with a water butt – British weather is full of surprises, so make the most of rainy days by collecting water to reuse when the sun comes out.
2. Cut down on hosepipe use
Hosepipes can use up to 1,000 litres of water an hour! So even small changes can make a big difference. When watering your garden, try using a watering can instead. If you need to use a hose, fit a trigger-nozzle to control the flow – it could save up to 40 litres a day by stopping water waste between plants.
Thinking of washing the car? Swap the hose for a bucket and sponge – it’ll do the job just as well and save over 100 litres each time.
You can get a FREE hose trigger and other water saving devices when taking the My Water Footprint Quiz!
3. Look out for leaks before you go on holiday
A dripping tap or leaky toilet can waste up to 400 litres a day, and the last thing you want is to come back from a summer getaway to find water damage in your home.
Before you go, check taps, toilets, and outdoor pipes for any signs of leaks. If you spot one, book a FREE Leak Visit to get it fixed before you go.
Not sure where to start? Try the Look and Listen test to help you to detect household leaks easily.
4. Be mindful
- Turn off the tap – Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or cleaning surfaces. Save up to 20 litres every day.
- Use eco-friendly cleaners – Choose cleaning products that are kind to the environment and don’t need lots of rinsing with water.
- Need to cool off with a shower? Shorten your shower time by 2 minutes and save over 20 litres of water.
5. Use your appliances wisely
Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when it’s full, and on ECO mode. This helps you use less water and less energy too.
Your washing machine and dishwasher use a lot of water, so it’s best to wait until they’re full before putting them on. Running fewer loads saves both water and energy, helping to reduce your bills.
If your machine has an eco-mode, make use of it! These settings are designed to use less water and power while still giving great results.
Every drop counts
Even small changes in how we use water can make a big difference. By being a little more mindful at home, we can all help protect this precious resource, not just through the summer, but all year round. And when we use less water, we’re not just helping the environment, we’re also saving energy, keeping bills down, and leaving more water in local rivers and natural habitats.