Water Saving Week 2018

March 2018

“Water Saving Week is a great opportunity for all of us to discover the small ways we can help to ease the pressure on our local water sources and environment - as well as our wallets! Using water more efficiently will also help to ensure that we, and future generations, continue to enjoy the high quality, reliable water supply that we can easily take for granted.”

Why save water?

The UK has less available water per person than most other European countries. London is drier than Istanbul, and the South East of England has less water available per person than some African countries. Surprised? Increasingly erratic weather patterns, population increases and changes in lifestyle have led to increasing pressure being put on our water supplies. As a result, it is more important than ever that we take care with how we use water. Taking positive action now can help to ensure that there is enough water to go round, for us, for businesses and for the environment.

Saving water has so many benefits. A major source of emissions is from using hot water within homes. Reducing the time you shower has a significant impact on your carbon footprint. Additionally, efficient water use makes our supply more resilient against climate change. Taking too much water from rivers threatens aquatic ecosystems and wildlife, so wise water use helps protect our natural environment, too. Using less water can save money, and it is also good for the economy in the long run, as it means we have to build less costly infrastructure, such as reservoirs.

Find out more about why we should save water here.

So what’s going on this Water Saving Week?

Here's our key themes for the week, with simple things you can do each day:

• Monday: Saving water in your home. Simple everyday habits can save loads of water. Search #WaterwiseTips for more or share your own! This year we will be looking at leaky loos, a huge waste of water in the UK. Check out WaterSafe for approved plumbers who can help fix your leaks.
• Tuesday: Saving water in your garden. Learn about water efficient practices for a resilient garden.
• Wednesday: Saving water in your school. There is a growing gap in water sector workforce, so we’ll be talking about how to get young people interested in this important field of work. We have loads of downloadable resources for schools, and there will be events going on in schools across the country during Water Saving Week.
• Thursday: Saving water in your workplace. Did you know businesses in England, Scotland and Wales are able to choose their water supplier? You are the customer, so ask them how they will help you save water, energy and money in your business. If you don’t like their answer, look elsewhere! Head to our webpage to find out more.
• Friday: Saving water in your community. Take one of CCWater’s pledges to save water, and encourage friends, family and neighbours to pick a pledge too!

You can get involved: Follow the conversation on Twitter, using #WaterSavingWeek

Hazel Lewis, Water Efficiency Research Specialist, Waterwise

Follow Hazel and Waterwise on twitter: @uk_hlewis and @Waterwise

The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's and not necessarily those of the wider Link membership.