With summer in full swing, NI Water is encouraging people to stay cool and hydrated by storing a jug of drinking water in the fridge, providing instant chilled drinks without running the tap.

A covered jug helps keep water fresh; the utility advises changing it daily or using it within 24 hours. Any leftover water from the previous day can be put to good use washing vegetables or watering plants.

Although Northern Ireland receives plenty of rainfall, supplies must still be treated at NI Water facilities before reaching taps. This takes time and energy, so using water wisely helps reduce pressure during peaks in summer demand. NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: "Keeping a jug of water in the fridge this summer is a simple and effective way to stay hydrated. If you already use reusable insulated tumblers or flasks, adding a few ice cubes in the morning will help keep your water cold and fresh throughout the day. Simple changes like these can help keep everyone hydrated during the summer holidays while saving water at the same time."

NI Water also shared straightforward ways to reduce household water use:

- Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth – A running tap can use 6 litres of water every minute. Over a month this wastes enough water to provide over 65 people with water for hand washing for a full day.

- Use a bowl for washing vegetables – Then reuse the water for plants.

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

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

- Use a watering can instead of a hose – A hose uses over 500 litres of water an hour, enough to fill 12 baths.

- Keep a jug of water in the fridge – Instead of letting the tap run. Change it every 24 hours and use any leftover water for watering plants or washing vegetables.

Get Water Fit by completing an online water audit at www.getwaterfit.co.uk