How to Save Water, Energy and Money

Are you thinking of 'going green'? Then how to save water is a must.

If you are not sure how hard your water supply is go to Test for water hardness, just enter your postcode and you will get an instant result.

To save money don't put a brick in the water cistern. Over time these can start to disintegrate and cause problems that will probably cost you money. A small plastic bottle filled with water is a better idea.

For our UK readers, if your water supplier is listed here these companies are offering a FREE water saving devices to put in your toilet cistern. Take advantage of their offer and save some money.

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How to save water has now become an important issue. After all the rain and flooding during the winter and early spring it now seems incredible that the first hosepipe ban has been announced in the North West of England.

Here are some tips to show you how to save water.

Many households are now using a water meter and with this in mind, the following tips help you to focus.

1. Use a watering can in the garden. Heavy work yes, but think of it as good for the figure.

2. During a dry period the grass will be slower to grow, so less mowing. Think positive – one less job. In any case let your grass grow longer during a dry period, it will wear better. Even when it looks like the scorched earth policy, it is surprising how quickly it will recover with the first drop of rain.

3. Hoe the soil in your garden to get rid of weeds, so leaving any moisture in the soil for the plants that need it – not the weeds.

4. Add a mulch to your soil. Use home-made compost if you have it. This will keep the sun off the soil and help the soil retain the moisture.

5. Water your garden once a week. Plants that droop under the hot sun will recover as soon as it gets cooler in the evening. Do the watering during the coolest part of the day.

6. Get a water butt – or two – they can be linked together with a small run of plastic hose. You will be able to use the collected rainwater on the garden. Search around locally for ‘Surplus’ stores that often buy in containers that have previously been used to transport Olives from the Mediterranean countries. These are much cheaper than the branded water butts.

7. Report any leaks you see by calling your local water board. It seems pointless these water boards imposing bans when they are allowing leaks in their own system.

Now to tackle the inside of the house:

8. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

9. Take a refreshing shower instead of a bath. The saving is obvious both from the electricity in heating the water and the amount of water used. No matter how great the temptation, try not to linger too long as every minute cut off your daily shower could save between £5-10 per year on your energy bills too.

Be like the Japanese who consider it wrong to sit in their own dirty water in the bath. Unfortunately, some of the Japanese take this literally and instead of taking a shower, leave the water running constantly whilst they are in the bath. At least one London hotel room has been flooded in this way!

11. Kepp a container of water in the fridge so that a chilled supply is always available. If you use an ‘old’ water bottle from one of the popular companies, then the implied message to your family is that they are still getting their favourite water.

12. Make sure you have a full washing machine or dishwasher load each time before you switch on.

13. Replace the washer in a dripping tap. One tap could waste as much as 90 litres of water a week. If it is a hot water tap, fixing the leak could also save £18 a year on your bills too. If there is a delay in this simple repair leave a jug or bowl under the drip and make good use of the water you collect.

14. Fit a water-saving device in your cistern. It is possible to buy ornamental blocks and put these into the toilet cistern to displace some of the water required. Don't waste your money here, just fill an empty, plastic container with water, tightly seal the cap and place it inside the cistern. This will have the same effect. Or if you would like something more fancy, take another look at the list mentioned above and see if your water company is offering FREE water saving devices.

16. Use the fish tank to water your plants. It is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, which make for excellent fertilizer so a double bonus here.

17. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. Making sure the element is covered.

So, as with every venture - do your own research. This site is regularly updated and new tips are constantly being added to help you.