Swap baths for showers

• Baths use on average 80 litres per use, switch to showers to use less water

Take shorter showers, aim for 4 minutes

• Showers use between 9-19 litres a minute depending on how old/efficient the shower head is,

Turn off taps when not in use

• Running taps can use 9 litres of water a minute, turning taps off while brushing your teeth could save 18 litres of water

Make sure to fully load appliances before use

• Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines use the same amount of water no matter how full they are
• Making sure they’re full will mean you use these appliances less

Use eco modes on appliances

• Dishwashers and washing machines use less water and wash at lower temperatures on eco mode saving water and energy

Use a washing up bowl

• This takes less water to fill saving water with every wash

Click here to take the water fit quiz to find out how you can save water in your home

Water in the morning or evening

• This reduces evaporation meaning more water is absorbed into the soil

Harvest rain water

• Rain water is full of nutrients which are great for your plants, and it is free

Let your lawn go brown

• It’s ok to let your lawn go brown over the dryer months. It will bounce back once it rains

Use a watering can instead of a hose or sprinkler

• A running hose or sprinkler can use 1,000 litres of water an hour. That’s the same as having 12.5 baths

If you’re using a pool this summer

• Top it up rather than emptying it out and re-use the water on your garden plants

Wash your car with a bucket and sponge

• Try to reduce how often you wash your car. When you need to, use a bucket and sponge instead of a hose

Click here for discounted garden water saving devices from Portsmouth Water

Fit aerators to taps and showers

• These can reduce litres of water per minute to 3.5 – 5 without reducing the pressure

Install a dual flush toilet

• A full flush toilet can use up to 11 litres per flush where as a dual flush uses 4-6 litre

Social water tariffs:

All water suppliers have tariffs with lower charges and capped bills for households on low incomes. You can check if you’re eligible for a reduced water bill by visiting your water suppliers website.

Assessed charges:

You may be eligible for an assessed water discount if you are unable to have a water meter installed for your property. This is common for high-rise buildings.