How to save water at home and in the garden

As we enter the hotter months of the year, it’s a good time to try and save water when we can.

Saving water is great for your wallet, the environment, and your plants. Here are some simple ways to help you save water at home and in your garden.

Must-know

Check for leaks in your plumbing. Even small leaks can waste a lot of water.

In short

• Take showers instead of baths
• Use leftover cooking water
• Soak your plants instead of spraying them

1. Take showers

Switching from baths to showers is an easy way to save water. Showers use about half as much water as baths. Just keep your showers short. You can also get a low-flow shower head to save even more water.

2. Get a water butt

A water butt collects rainwater that you can use in your garden. With all the rainy days in the UK, there's plenty of water to collect. You can connect a hose to your water butt to make watering easier. Using stored rainwater doesn't count during a hosepipe ban.

3. Use leftover cooking water

When you wash vegetables, use a bowl to catch the water. You can use this water for your plants. You can also save water from cooking, but let it cool down before using it in the garden.

4. Fix leaks

Fixing leaks, even small ones, can save a lot of water. A dripping tap can waste around 5,550 litres of water a year, which costs about £30. That's enough to fill a paddling pool every week in the summer.

Worried you have a leak – see some ways to check if you have a leak.

5. Soak your plants

Watering your plants at the roots once or twice a week is better than watering them every day. Daily light watering can cause water to evaporate and may harm your plants. Use a watering can or hose to soak the roots. New plants need watering every day until they are established.

6. Do full loads of washing

Wait until you have a full load before using your dishwasher or washing machine. This saves both water and energy. Dishwashers use the same amount of water whether they are full or not, so it's best to fill them up completely.

7. Reuse ice cubes

If you have leftover ice cubes, let them melt and put them in your plant pots instead of throwing them away. Your plants will get a nice cold drink. You can also use melted ice from your freezer, just make sure it’s not too cold for your plants as this could damage them.

8. Use a broom instead of a hose

When cleaning driveways or patios, use a broom instead of a hose. This can save a lot of water and gets the job done just as well.

9. Mulch your garden

Mulch is what you spread over the surface of the soil in your garden, like compost. Organic mulch is made from natural materials and decomposes over time, enriching the soil. Examples: bark chips, straw, grass clippings, shredded leaves and compost.

Using organic mulch on your garden beds will help retain moisture in the soil, enrich the soil, reduce the need for frequent watering. It also helps keep weeds at bay and prevents erosion.

10. Water early or late

Water your garden early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. This reduces evaporation and ensures your plants get the most water.

11. Use a bucket in the shower

Sounds funny, but you could place a bucket in the shower to catch water while it warms up. You can use this water for your plants or cleaning.

12. Install a water-saving toilet

If you’re updating your bathroom, consider installing a dual-flush or low-flow toilet. These will use less water per flush, which can save a significant amount of water over time.

By following these tips, you can save water and help the environment.

Checking for leaks is simple and can save you a lot of water.


Here are some easy steps:

• Check your water meter
  Turn off all water-using appliances and taps in your home. Look at your water meter and note the reading. Wait for an hour without using any water, then check the meter again. If the reading has changed, you might have a leak.
  
  
• Inspect taps and pipes
  Look at all taps and pipes in your home, including under sinks and behind appliances. Check for any drips or puddles.
  
  
• Toilet leak test
  Put a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. Wait for about 30 minutes without flushing. If the colour appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
  
  
• Check outside
  Inspect outdoor taps, hoses, and irrigation systems. Look for any wet spots or drips.
  
  
• Listen for sounds
  Sometimes you can hear water running or dripping even if you can't see it. Listen carefully around your home.
  
  
• Monitor your water bill
  It’s worth checking if your water bill is higher than usual and you haven't changed your water usage, as it could indicate a leak.