2.7 Individual actions: water

Water companies use large amounts of energy to supply high-quality mains water to our homes. We then use more energy heating it for baths, showers and washing up. On average, a person in the UK uses about 150 litres of water every day, and much of this is wasted in brushing our teeth or flushing the toilet. For example, a dripping tap can waste as much as 5,500 litres of water a year, which is enough to fill a paddling pool every week for the whole summer.

However, some quick and easy changes at home can save large amounts of water, both indoors and outdoors: for example, attaching a water butt to your guttering to use the collected rainwater for watering the garden, and taking a shower instead of a bath (an ordinary shower uses only 40% of the water needed for a bath).

You can visit the following websites for advice:

• harvesting rainwater

• re-using grey water (waste water from domestic activities like washing up

• saving water indoors

• saving water outdoors

Similar approaches can be applied to water use in the workplace. Every business has different water needs, from a small office to a large manufacturing plant. The following are some general water-saving tips that businesses can adapt to their own needs.

• Raise awareness of water efficiency issues.

• Know where supply pipes run and where the shut-off valves are.

• Check meters at night or when no water is being used to monitor leakage.

• Protect pipes against cold weather as leakage can increase after a burst caused by frost.

• Use water-efficient appliances and devices in bathrooms, canteens and kitchens.

• Determine where wasted water is going and how you could recycle it in other areas of your business.

• Where possible, use a water butt to harvest rainwater for use in your business.

• Assess water-using equipment to make sure there is no overfilling.

• Set water usage targets.

• If your water supplier offers water audits and/or a personalised water-management package to improve water efficiency for your business, consider using this service.