Water Great Summer
We’re having a hot, dry summer. While you’re enjoying the sunshine, remember it’s extra important to be careful with how you use water in summer. This helps to ensure there’s enough water to go around.
It’s been a really dry year so far - the UK has had the driest spring in 132 years.
We tend to use more water in summer – see our tips below for ways to enjoy water, while using a little less.
Save water, save money
In summer, we tend to use more water – mainly for watering the garden. A few simple steps can help you use less water. If you’re on a water meter, this should reduce your bill. If you don’t have a meter, you might save on energy bills from heating less water.
- Choose super-saver showers – have a shower rather than a bath and keep it short and sweet – play a favourite song and see if you can be out before it finishes. A family of four could save around £210 a year in water and energy costs if everyone cut their daily shower by two minutes.
- Water your garden the smart way. By choosing when and how to water plants, you can help them stay healthy and green in hot weather.
- Fix your leaky loo. Many dual-flush toilets develop a trickle of water against the back. It might look tiny, but a 24/7 leak really adds up over time. Get the valve repaired to save up to £480 a year.
Stay cool and safe this summer
Most of us love to be beside water when it’s hot, whether on the beach, walking by a river or chilling by a pool. Here are some ideas of how to make the most of water when it’s hot.
1. Visit one of our reservoirs. You can stroll by the water, spot wildlife and enjoy the breeze.
2. If you’re going to swim in the open air, make sure you know how to stay safe. The National Water Safety Forum has some advice. Never swim in a reservoir – there are hidden dangers.
3. Paddling pools can use hundreds or even thousands of litres of water. Check out our blog on alternative ways to have fun in the garden.
Water and the natural world
It’s easy to take water for granted but each droplet has been on a remarkable journey. Being careful with water helps to keep more in the natural environment.
- Find out more about your water including what’s in it and how it’s treated.
- Help local wildlife by adding a pond or birdbath to your garden. If this isn’t possible, even a small pot of flowers can help bees and other insects.
- Nature plays a vital role in supporting healthy communities and places. Our Better Futures Fund provides support for initiatives around nature, wellbeing and learning opportunities in Bristol and surrounding areas. Find out if you can apply for funding.
Our top water saving tips
We've put together a list of changes you can make to save water. They're broken down into 3 levels, something easy everyone can do, something that takes a bit more work, and a tip if you're dedicated to saving every drop.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Visitors & tourists
Easy win ⭐
If the toilet has a dual flush, just use the small flush whenever possible.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Bedding and towels don’t need changing every day.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you notice any leaky pipes or dripping taps in your holiday home, let the site manager know.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Visitors & tourists
Easy win ⭐
If the toilet has a dual flush, just use the small flush whenever possible.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Bedding and towels don’t need changing every day.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you notice any leaky pipes or dripping taps in your holiday home, let the site manager know.
Shower shorter, shower smarter…
Easy win ⭐
Knock a few minutes off your shower time. The average shower uses 10 litres of water a minute, so by halving your shower time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes, you'll save around 50 litres a day!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
The soap and rinse technique. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn it off whilst you lather up with soap. Finally, hop back in and turn on the shower to rinse off. It can take a bit of getting used to, but you’ll soon be trying to set personal bests for how quickly you can shower.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Skip a day. If you’re planning a duvet day, then going without a shower will help you to save buckets of water. Just pick a day where you don’t need to be red carpet ready and relax, safe in the knowledge that you've done your bit to save water.
With baths, less is definitely less…
Easy win ⭐
Less is more. Ok, less is less, but if you can shave an inch or two off the depth of your bath you can save plenty of water and we promise you won't notice the difference.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Switch for a shower. Sometimes nothing beats a soak in the tub, but if you’re a regular bather and you switch half of your baths for a 5-minute shower, you’ll see those water bills tumbling.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you have treated yourself to a relaxing bath, don’t touch that plug! If your kids are small enough to fit in, or maybe your pets need a pamper, re-use the water - sharing's caring.
If sharing just isn’t for you, you can still make a bath go further by grabbing your watering can and using the leftover water to keep your garden looking lush!
Flush smart and check for leaks…
Easy win ⭐
If you’ve got a dual flush loo, make sure you use it! Use the small flush for number 1s, and the larger flush for number 2s!
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Check your loo isn’t leaky. Push flush cisterns are notorious for developing leaks – is there water trickling down the back of the bowl? If so, you may need to get it fixed. Read our tips for spotting a leaky loo.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Ok, we know this won't be for everyone, but if you’re truly an aspiring eco warrior, remember these wise words – if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!
Top tips for doing the dishes…
Easy win ⭐
Make sure your dishwasher is always full! Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water and energy, regardless of how many dishes you stack, so be generous with your loads.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Don’t rinse dishes before washing. Instead, use a cake spatula (or a good old-fashioned knife) to scrape any excess food into your food waste bin. This saves water and means you won't be fishing leftovers out of the plug hole - yuck!
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
When washing up in the sink, use a washing up bowl, as this uses much less water than filling up the whole sink.
Wash the cleaner items, such as glasses, first and leave the really dirty dishes till last so you don’t have to change the water as often.
Always wash a full load…
Easy win ⭐
Much like a dishwasher, you should always fill up your washing machine with a full load. Washing your clothes with a typical washing machine uses an average of 112 litres of water a week. Save clothes up rather than washing a few at a time.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Treat stains before washing. Pre-treating stains will save having to put clothes through the wash more than once.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Is your machine nearing the end of its life? When it’s time to buy a new washing machine, invest in one that’s as water efficient as possible. Most modern machines have water saving modes that keep water and energy use to a minimum.
Lose the hose, get a butt!
Easy win ⭐
Put the hosepipe down and grab a watering can. It takes a bit longer with a watering can, but you’ll find you waste a lot less water, targeting only the areas that need watering.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Get a water butt – or better still get two! They give you a plentiful supply of free rainwater to keep your plants hydrated, help you to save on your bills (if you have a water meter) and you can even link multiple butts together using butt lining kits. What’s not to love?
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Make sure that your garden uses water as efficiently as possible. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can create a water efficient sanctuary in no time. Take a look at our water saving garden tips.
Adopt a water saving culture
Easy win ⭐
Create a water saving culture for staff and customers that asks them to follow some simple rules, like turning off taps after use, using the correct dual flush button and not washing up under a running tap.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Develop a water efficient environmental policy that includes appointing a water saving ambassador/officer, a recurring review of your water usage, and sets deadlines and targets for improvements.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Invest in water saving technology that will have a long-term impact. Install dual flush efficient cisterns, low flow taps and shower valves, and automatic or push self-closing taps, that can really help save water in the long run.
Your winter water health check
Easy win ⭐
An unexpected spell of cold weather is often the time people find out their boiler or heating system has a problem. Get it serviced at the start of winter and you’ll know it’s fighting fit and working efficiently to keep you warm all winter.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
If you’re going on holiday or visiting relatives for Christmas and leaving the house empty, don’t forget to keep your heating on low (min 14ºC). This will help to stop your pipes freezing.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
Look after pipes that are in locations exposed to cold air – the garage, loft or outdoors. Wrap them up with lagging or fit pipe insulation to help prevent them freezing and bursting.
Visitors & tourists
Easy win ⭐
If the toilet has a dual flush, just use the small flush whenever possible.
A bit more work ⭐⭐
Bedding and towels don’t need changing every day.
Water saving hero ⭐⭐⭐
If you notice any leaky pipes or dripping taps in your holiday home, let the site manager know.