05/05/2026
Northern Ireland Households Urged to Support Water Saving Week
Water Saving Week has returned for 2026, running from 4th to 8th May. The annual initiative serves as a vital reminder for the public to conserve water, protect the natural environment, and ensure sustainable access to water for all communities in the future.
As rainfall is forecast for later this week, NI Water is encouraging residents and gardeners to adopt mindful habits to maximise the benefits of the weather. The push for conservation follows findings from the Continuous Household Survey regarding water usage in Northern Ireland, which suggests that many consumers may be underestimating their actual water footprint.
Data from the survey reveals that 48% of people shower seven times a week, and 89% shower at least three times weekly. While 45% of respondents keep their showers between two and five minutes, 13% spend over ten minutes in the shower. Additionally, 85% of households use a washing machine more than once a week, with 27% running it daily. Regarding outdoor usage, 83% of households own a hosepipe or bucket, primarily used for watering plants (61%), power washing (47%), and maintaining lawns (26%).
Anna Killen, NI Water's education officer, commented: "Water Saving Week is the ideal time to adopt simple water-saving habits that benefit nature and help to reduce your household bills. With each person using around 153 litres daily, small changes can make a big difference. Visit www.getwaterfit.com to get started and discover ways where you can cut back to help make every drop count and receive water saving items to help reduce waste around the home and garden."
To mark Water Saving Week 2026, NI Water has highlighted several key actions for the public:
• Fix Leaks: Residents are encouraged to use the week to inspect their properties for leaks, which remain a primary cause of water waste.
• Download Resources: Educational materials for homes and businesses are available from NI Water, including instructions on how to create a bespoke mini waterbutt.
• Appliance Efficiency: Householders should ensure washing machines and dishwashers are only operated with full loads and utilise eco-settings where possible.
• Water-Saving Tools: The use of shower timers, "toothy" timers for brushing teeth, and leaky loo strips can significantly help in identifying and reducing unnecessary waste.
As rainfall is forecast for later this week, NI Water is encouraging residents and gardeners to adopt mindful habits to maximise the benefits of the weather. The push for conservation follows findings from the Continuous Household Survey regarding water usage in Northern Ireland, which suggests that many consumers may be underestimating their actual water footprint.
Data from the survey reveals that 48% of people shower seven times a week, and 89% shower at least three times weekly. While 45% of respondents keep their showers between two and five minutes, 13% spend over ten minutes in the shower. Additionally, 85% of households use a washing machine more than once a week, with 27% running it daily. Regarding outdoor usage, 83% of households own a hosepipe or bucket, primarily used for watering plants (61%), power washing (47%), and maintaining lawns (26%).
To mark Water Saving Week 2026, NI Water has highlighted several key actions for the public:
• Fix Leaks: Residents are encouraged to use the week to inspect their properties for leaks, which remain a primary cause of water waste.
• Download Resources: Educational materials for homes and businesses are available from NI Water, including instructions on how to create a bespoke mini waterbutt.
• Appliance Efficiency: Householders should ensure washing machines and dishwashers are only operated with full loads and utilise eco-settings where possible.
• Water-Saving Tools: The use of shower timers, "toothy" timers for brushing teeth, and leaky loo strips can significantly help in identifying and reducing unnecessary waste.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:This evening will be cloudy with outbreaks of rain. Remaining cloudy overnight with further spells of rain, occasionally heavy. Freshening southerly wind along the east coast. Minimum temperature 13 °C.