How to save water at home and at work

All year round, but especially in summer, we should all be mindful of the amount of water we use, and try to use only what we need.

Have a shower instead of a bath. Showers use only half the amount of water required for a bath.

Spend less time in the shower. An average shower uses 10 litres of water per minute, so taking a shorter shower will save water.

Remember to turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. A running tap can use up to six litres of water per minute.

Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are always fully loaded before putting on a wash to save water and money on energy bills.

Use a basin in the sink. A basin is useful for washing dishes by hand or collecting the water you use to rinse fruit and vegetables, which can then be used for watering plants.

Keep a jug of water in the fridge. Waiting for a tap to run cold water to drink can waste more than 10 litres of water in a day.

Use a rose head watering can in the garden and a bucket and sponge to wash your car. A hose uses more water in one hour than the average family uses in a day.

Water your plants in the early morning or late evening. This saves water evaporating and avoids scorching your plants too.

Add layers of plant material, like bark or straw, to your garden soil to help it retain more water.

You can consider upgrading to more water efficient appliances. For example water efficient taps, shower heads, toilets, and dishwashers can make a big difference.

Choosing to implement waterless processes can dramatically reduce your company’s water footprint. This can include air vacuums, high pressure air jets, and dry sweeping.

There are cheaper alternatives too. You can retrofit a dual flush system into older toilets or invest in toilet cistern bags. Businesses with showers may also wish to invest in shower timers. Find out more a water.ie

If there are plants within the building, try to choose ones that need less water i.e. cacti, peace lilies, aloe vera and jade plants. If you have outdoor plants, water them in the morning before the sun gets too hot and evaporates the water.