The world has huge issues with fresh water (most is trapped in glaciers). So the more water we save in the western world, the more there is for people who go without (and it reduces your water bills too!)
England has lots of rain, but climate change is causing dryer summers, which lead to hose pipe bans etc. As well as finding solutions to prevent floods, we need to find solutions to prevent droughts:
Some people have said that birds are singing in the garden. Only to realise they are thirsty, asking for water. Read our post on creating safe havens for garden birds.
A drought simply means a shortage of fresh water. This can impact farmers, as crops fail and they need to find more water for barnyard animals to drink.
Forage Aid can supply free feed for farmers, in case of natural disasters or financial difficulties.
Check for Leaks
Most water companies offer free toilet leak detection strips. If not, then wipe the back of your toilet pan with bathroom tissue (30 minutes after you flush). Then place a dry sheet on the back of the pan, leave for up to 3 hours (if the paper is wet, there’s a leak, so call the plumber).
You can also check your home for leaks, by reading your water meter, then take a second reading 30 minutes later (when not using any water). Again if there’s a change, you have a leak that needs fixing.
How to Save Water Indoors
- Repair dripping taps (changing the washers can save thousands of gallons of water each year).
- When safe to do so, reuse your water (if you use a bathroom gadget to syphon out the window, only use non-scented biodegradable bathroom products, or you’ll kill your plants).
- Most modern showers are okay (you could place a bucket to catch the water, for plants). But for older showers, water-saving showerheads are easy to fit (use a qualified electrician). Which? magazine suggests this test to see if it’s worth the investment:
Place a 2-litre container on the shower floor. If it takes less than 12 seconds to fill when the shower is running on full, you could benefit from a low-flow shower. This aerates water (like a rain shower).
How to Save Water Outdoors
- Use a water butt with child/pet-safe locks. Don’t leave open barrels of water around (drowning hazards, and stagnant water attracts mosquitoes).
- Use a waterless car wash (supermarket and driveway car washing, sends untreated oily water down drains, and into the sea).
- Most gardens ‘return to green’ when it rains. So don’t worry about waiting a few days. Read more on water-saving gardens.
Read our post on pet-friendly gardens (many water-saving mulches are unsafe near animal friends).
Eat Less Meat and Dairy
The livestock industry if very water-intensive. So eating more plants is one of the most effective (indirect) ways to save water worldwide. 90% of the UK’s water is used for agriculture (just 5% for home use).
Yet government bang on about water-saving devices, when encouraging plant-based agriculture is way better. Find lots of simple recipes to start you off!
