- An independent nationwide survey commissioned by Affinity Water found that nearly half (41%) of Brits don’t know where to start when it comes to water saving in the garden.
- (33%) of Brits reported being hesitant and concerned to start a water saving journey as they believe it is too costly.
- Autumn months are the ideal time to begin a water conservation journey, collecting water to be re-used ahead of the following spring & summer and building year-long resilience.
- Affinity Water has partnered with gardening and design expert Sam Proctor to help make smarter choices when it comes to garden design and healthy plant care, providing simple, cost-effective tips to help households save water in their gardens.
September 2024: Nearly half (41%) of Brits don’t know where to start when it comes to water saving in the garden. Additionally, (33%) of Brits reported being hesitant to start a water-saving journey due to perceived costs. The wettest months in the UK tend to be at the start and ends of the year, with an average of between 171 to 172 days of rain annually.
The autumn months are the perfect time for people to get ahead and plan for spring and summer, making the most of seasonal weather to capture increased rainfall and conserve water next summer. Affinity Water, the nation’s largest water-only supplier, has partnered with gardening and design expert Sam Proctor to demystify water saving and provide simple, cost-effective tips to help households make smarter choices and save water in their gardens.
Smart, yet simple cost-effective water-saving steps during autumn can really pay-off in the summer. It is possible to still have a beautiful, healthy garden while conserving water. In turn, this can help protect our environment, create pleasant living spaces, and save money in the long term. Affinity Water is on a mission to empower and educate people on smarter water-saving practices with thoughtful design.
While (42%) of Brits collect rainwater via a water butt, this practice is more common among older age groups, with (54%) of 55–64-year-olds doing so compared to just (23%) of 18–24-year-olds. The survey also revealed that (41%) of 18–24-year-olds don’t believe it is necessary to conserve water in their gardens or outdoor spaces.
Surprisingly, (16%) of 18–24-year-olds use automatic irrigation systems to save water, compared to only (1%) of 55–64-year-olds. To help save water, money, and make mindful design choices, Affinity Water has teamed up with Sam Proctor to provide expert tips, enabling customers to implement water-saving measures in their gardens.
Sam Proctor, Founder of Chiltern Garden Design said:
Everyone thinks of water saving in the summer, but the best time to plan for this is in the autumn. Starting your water-saving journey is simple and impactful. Every litre saved counts. Easy steps like using a watering can, mulching soil, or installing a water butt can significantly reduce water waste. Together, we can protect our environment and save money – it’s a win-win.”
Sam Proctor’s 6 Top Tips on How to Save Water in the Autumn for a More Cost-Effective and Sustainable Summer in the Garden:
- Adjust Seasonal Settings: Modify your irrigation system’s settings according to the season.
- Use Terracotta Water Spikes: Utilize terracotta water spikes that hold plants in place and are designed to keep them hydrated.
- Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the moisture level of the soil using your finger or a moisture meter.
- Mulch Your Garden Beds: Apply a thick layer of mulch around your plants.
- Install a Rain Barrel or Water Butt: Winter is a great time to install a rain barrel or water butt to collect rainwater from your gutters.
- Build a Miniature Water Garden: Involve children in creating a small water garden using collected rainwater. This can be a fun and educational project that teaches them about water conservation and the importance of using natural resources wisely. (Visual to be added).
Lynn McCarthy, Campaign Director at Affinity Water explains: “Reducing water waste is vital for protecting our environment but also to help save on household bills. Autumn is the time to get thinking about it. There are so many simple, practical, cost-effective ways to save water in the garden, so you can reap the benefits in your garden next Spring and Summer. Adopting simple water saving actions can make a big difference.”
To understand your water footprint and find out how you can save water in your home, visit https://www.affinitywater.co.uk/saveourstreams/garden.