Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving - this saves 6 litres a minute
Put the plug in the basin when washing
Put tissues, cotton wool and plastic items in the bin, not the toilet
Take a shorter shower - each minute saves around 10 litres of water. A bath typically uses 80 litres.
Hippo bags in toilet cistern
Check your toilet cistern for leakage. Put food dye in the cistern and see if it leaks down into the bowl.
In the Kitchen
Fix dripping taps - usually a replacement washer is all thats needed. A dripping tap can waste 15 litres/day.
Wash clothes and dishes on full loads only
Reduce your washing machine use by one load a week saves 5,000 litres in a year
Keep a jug of water in the fridge for a cool drink
Wash vegetables in a bowl instead of under a running tap
Rinse containers for recycling with the water left after washing up
In the Garden
Fit a water butt to catch rainwater - from your house, shed or greenhouse
Choose the right plants for the garden - drought tolerant species for sunny areas
Water plants in the early morning or evening to minimise evaporation
Cut your grass less frequently
Lag external taps to prevent freezing and bursts
Container based plants require more watering. Minimise evaporation with water-retaining crystals in the soil and mulch on top. Place a container underneath to capture wasted water.
Compost provides valuable nutrients and encourages drainage, whilst keeping the soil moist. Wash your car using a bucket and sponge, rinsing off the suds with a watering can. Just 30 minutes with a hosepipe will use more water than the average family uses in a day
Watch out for leaks. Damp patches or lush vegetation in dry periods may be caused by a leaking pipe or fitting
