#MakeDoCREW - Tap into water savings

The average home uses 330 litres of water a day. Multiply that by the number of homes in the UK and that’s more than just a drop in the ocean...

The good news is, there are simple ways to cut down your use and make sure you’re only using the water you need. Starting with your taps!

This week we're bringing you top tips on how to fix leaky taps, fit water-saving gadgets and save some H2O.

• Stop that drop

A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year. That’s the same as 39 bathtubs of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turned off and fix taps as soon as they start to drip. We’ve found some resources to help you find the right tutorial for your taps:

See The Guardian Environment tips
See Direct Line tips
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• Fit water-saving devices

Flow tap aerators and regulators
You can also save water by fitting aerators to taps. These devices are easy to install and aerate the water coming out of your tap, so you get the same perceived water flow with less actual water!

Efficient shower heads
Shower heads regulate flow to 6 litres per minute meaning you use less water without reducing performance. A family of four could save up to 22,000 litres of water and £91 per year. Unfortunately these aren't suitable for electric or multi-jet showers.

You can get your own free water-saving devices from Thames Water here and you're in luck... they just started this schemed up again after 2 months of inactivity due to COVID-19!

​If you'd rather wait for a professional to help you out with the above, why not test out these easier options in the meantime... 

• Mind the tap

A running tap wastes more than 6 litres of water every minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face.

• Prepare to be bowled over

Using a washing up bowl to wash up plates or cutlery twice a day rather than having the hot tap running could save around £25 a year on your gas bill and about £30 a year on your water bill (if you have a water meter). If you need to rinse utensils or wash vegetables, use cold water if possible and don't leave the tap running.
 
For more tips on how to save water, head to the Energy Saving Trust.