How to save water in your kitchen. A lot of water is used in the kitchen and is often wasted.
Most new appliances are being designed to be more efficient, both in terms of energy use and water use, than older appliances.
Washing machines and dishwashers used over 500 billion litres of water in the UK in 2000 alone, and 94% of this was used by washing machines.
Try and use the shortest wash cycle (wool cycles take much more water per kg) and when purchasing a new machine look for a machine with an efficient cycle of approximately 45-50 litres per 5kg load.
Dishwashers have also become much more efficient, an older dishwasher may need up to 40 litres of water in comparison to some of the newer models which use as little as 15 litres.
Always try to use your washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.
In comparison to the information provided above a kitchen tap will use 15-20 litres of water for every minute they are left running so always use a washing up bowl rather than running a tap when you are washing up and try to avoid rinsing your dishes prior to loading your dishwasher.
When preparing vegetables in a bowl you can use the water and food scraps to feed your plants. This kind of leftover water is ideal for plants as it will help to get rid of aphids.
How to save water in your bathroom
It’s usually best to take a shower rather than a bath – a 5 minute electric shower will use around 40 litres of water compared to a bath which is around 100 litres.
Check how much water your shower uses, as a power shower can use more than an electric shower – the shower manufacturer will be able to confirm. Try reducing the length of your shower as this could save you both water and energy.
If you take a bath, don’t over fill.
When you take a shower fill the sink rather than leaving the tap to run.
Turn the tap of while you are brushing your teeth.
Toilets have a flush of between six and thirteen litres depending on their age. Always try to use the short flush if you have a dual flush cistern.
Other ways to reduce your water usage
Fix leaks
You can normally detect any leaks from your cistern if the water is leaking from your overflow pipe. Many newer toilets have internal overflows, if your cistern is leaking you should see the water running down the toilet pan when the toilet has a leak even when the toilet has not been flushed.
Check to see whether the water level is too high, if it is the float valve could be altered, however, if the water continues to rise you may have a faulty washer. Check each cistern to see if the water level is too high, If it is, the float valve setting can be altered. If the water level continues to rise it is likely that you have a faulty washer in your ball float valve.
Mend dripping taps
Most taps drip due to a faulty washer. When replacing a washer always ensure that the water supply is turned off and drained. Washers come in many sizes and you need to ensure you have the right size before you start.
