Save water in the bathroom

Choose showers, not baths

The average bath uses about 80 litres of water, but you can use less than half the amount if you have a quick shower. Try keeping baths as an occasional treat rather than a daily dip.

If you normally fill the bath right to the top, you could save tens of litres by making it just a few centimetres less deep.

 

Look out for a leaky loo

Using the toilet

About a quarter of all the water we use at home is flushed down the toilet. You can use less water without compromising on hygiene.

Check for leaks

Toilets sometimes develop a barely-noticeable leak that trickles water into the bowl. It might not look like much, but it can double the water use of a two-person household. They’re a particular issue for push-button toilets. If you notice a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible.

Use the right flush

Dual flush toilets are designed to use less water to clear wees. If you have one, use the small button for wee and the big button for solid waste. This can save litres of water every day.

Reduce your flush volume

If your toilet is an older model with a large cistern, you can use a displacement device to reduce the water used per flush. A filled plastic bottle with the cap screwed on does the job.

Consider skipping a flush

It’s not for everyone, but you can wait until there are a few wees in the toilet before flushing to save a surprising amount of water – ‘if it’s yellow, let it mellow’.

 

Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth

At the basin

Adopting a few new habits can make a major difference at the sink:

Turn off the tap

Don’t let the tap run while you brush your teeth – this can use tens of litres of water per person. Kids often leave the tap running, so make sure you help them develop the habit of turning it off.

Fix drippy taps

A dripping tap might not looks like much, but it can waste a lot of water over time. Getting leaks fixed quickly helps to reduce waste and avoid any damage to your home.

Try a tap aerator

You can fit a tap aerator to your taps for a quick and easy way to reduce water use. The aerators mix tiny bubbles with the water, so you get the same great wash but use less water.

Make it fun for your little ones

Download a fun poster to encourage your kids to wash hands properly without wasting water – or get them to design their own!

Check for leaks

Watch out for leaky pipes under your sink – they waste a lot of water over time and can cause issues with damp.