Households Urged To 'Get Water Smart'

NI Water has called on households to 'get water smart', highlighting that with schools out for summer and temperatures set to rise there is no better time to learn about the simple things we can all do to help save water.

It is easy to begin reducing your water usage; just start by thinking how much water you are using each day. Whether you are washing your hands, cleaning endless amounts of dishes or tidying up the garden, you start to realise just how important water is and the sheer amount we use.

NI Water's Environmental Outreach & Learning Officer, Anna Killen, explains how we can save water by looking at everyday habits: "It's amazing to think that every day, each person uses around 170 litres of water! It's really easy to save water and there are simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference.

"Did you know that the average time people in Northern Ireland spend in the shower is 9 minutes; over 50% of people still overfill the kettle and less than a quarter of people have a waterbutt.

"With rising energy costs, it might be time to think about reducing the time spent in the shower; hot water costs money! Why not try the 4 minute shower challenge, put on your favourite 4 minute song and see if you can finish before the end.

"Start by looking at small changes, for example, your kettle. Since working from home, it has been working overtime; but just fill it with as much water as you need. Overfilling can use twice as much energy each time you boil."

To help you kick start these new habits and 'Get Water Fit', complete our online water audit at www.getwaterfit.co.uk or take part in water saving challenges and receive your free water saving items including a four minute shower timer, toothy timers and swell gel bags for the garden.

Some water saving tips:

1. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth – A running tap can use 6 litres of water per minute.

2. Use a bowl for washing vegetables – Then you can reuse this water for plants.

3. Make full use of your washing machine – Half load programmes on washing machines use more than half the water and energy of a full load, so wait until the machine is full before switching it on.

4. Fix leaking taps – A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week.

5. Keep a jug of water in the fridge, instead of letting the tap run cold.