Inspired by Water Saving Week?

This year saw the third Water Saving Week, organised by Waterwise, challenging us to see how much water we could all save. And they let us in on the secret – it’s easy!

Whether it’s taking a shower, brushing our teeth or sticking on the kettle – we all depend on a readily available supply of water every day. And by making small changes to our lives, we can make a big difference to the impact we’re having on our water resources.

While you may think of the UK as a fairly wet country, London actually receives less rainfall annually than Sydney or Barcelona. And with increasingly erratic weather, an increase in population and a change in lifestyles, there is more and more pressure being put on our water supply. This makes it more important than ever to be careful with how we use our water.

Why not try watering your garden using a watering can instead of the hosepipe? © Waterwise

Water saving and our rivers

Dry weather and drought can be bad news for wildlife, like trout and water vole, as, when combined with abstraction for public supplies, it can mean there is not enough left in the river for wildlife to survive.

Currently, a quarter of England’s rivers are at risk from having low flows or even running dry if we were to experience a period of dry weather, due to over abstraction. Everyone can do their bit by being careful with how we use water. Water Saving Week is a great opportunity to learn more about the issue, and try out some techniques to reduce water use.

Find out more about our work on UK rivers.

Bridge over dried up river bed, River Mimram © Jiri Rezac

It’s time to take action.

Here are a few simple tips you can try to get you started:

Download a water saving app! Water saving apps for your smart phone can help you choose products and calculate your water use. Just search for ‘water efficiency’. And why not try competing with your friends and family to see who can save the most water?
Order some free water saving goodies from your water company and save yourself some money. Water companies may provide anything from shower timers to tap swivels to reduce your water use so don’t hesitate to give them a call!
Take a walk at your local river or wetland! Many people don’t realise that the water that comes out of their taps comes from their local river and only 17% of England’s rivers are currently healthy. Be inspired to save water and see what wildlife you can spot.
Check out the Waterwise website! Each day is focused on a theme – water in schools, work, home, the community and garden – and it is full of tips and resources to get you started. And don’t forget to follow them on social media @Waterwise and use the hashtag #WaterSavingWeek to find out what’s going on and stay up to date.

There’s lots of resources on the Waterwise website.