Let’s face it – the British summer doesn’t always mean sunshine. One minute it’s warm and bright, the next it’s pouring with rain. But while we might moan about soggy shoes and cancelled barbecues, rainy days can actually help us save water.
Here’s how you can make the most of wet weather and use it to your advantage.
1. Collect rainwater
Rainwater is free and you can collect it using a water butt connected to your gutter or downpipe. It’s perfect for watering plants, cleaning muddy boots, or washing your bike.
Even a short shower can fill up a water butt, especially in summer storms. That’s water you won’t need to take from the tap.
2. Give the hose a break
After a good rain, your garden won’t need much extra watering. Let nature do the hard work for you! Instead of turning on the hose, check the soil – if it’s still damp, your plants are happy.
You can also add mulch (like bark or compost) around plants. It helps the soil hold on to moisture, even after the rain has passed.
3. Think before you wash
If it’s raining and your car is already wet – that’s a bonus, it’s like a free car wash! Give it a quick wipe-down instead of using buckets of water.
4. Bake smart on rainy days
Being stuck indoors when it’s raining doesn’t have to be boring. Baking is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon – and it can be water-friendly too! Just keep a few things in mind:
- Use a washing-up bowl to clean mixing tools instead of running the tap.
- Fill the dishwasher fully and use the eco mode to save both water and energy.
- Scrape plates instead of rinsing them under the tap before loading the dishwasher.
It’s all about being mindful while still enjoying yourself.
5. Craft with less clean-up
Arts and crafts are another great way to pass the time indoors. To save water while crafting:
- Use recycled materials like old jars, cardboard, or scrap paper.
- Clean paintbrushes in a small bowl of water rather than under a running tap.
- Save leftover water for soaking brushes or rinsing glue pots.
Stay one step ahead
When the sun does come out, we use more water – for paddling pools, sprinklers, and cooling down. But if you’ve saved up rainwater or cut down on waste when it was wet, you’ll be in a better place when it gets dry. Planning ahead helps reduce pressure on water supplies, especially during heatwaves.
Rainy days might not be your favourite part of summer, but they can be really useful. By collecting rainwater and changing a few habits, you can make the most of every drop – and help protect our water for the future. After all, saving water isn’t just for dry days. It starts with making smart choices, whatever the weather.