ChatterBank7 mins ago
We ve just had one of the wettest winters on record. Why should we worry about saving water
01:00 Fri 03rd Aug 2001 | Home & Garden
A.�
It is true that rainfall over the past couple of winters and last spring makes the imminent threat of water shortages most unlikely.�
However, in the longer term the country could face problems if domestic households don't start using water more efficiently. We use 70 per cent more water than we did 30 years ago and demand is likely to rise by another 30 per cent over the next 25 years or so. Another problem is that rainfall is lowest in the areas of the country where it is in most demand i.e. the South West and East Anglia. Believe it or not with the help of global warming East Anglia's average rainfall in recent years is the same as the Middle Eastern state of Jordan.
�
But there are good reasons to save water much closer to home. If you are on a meter you will simply save money and if we all use less water there will be pressure on the water companies to reduce charges on the ground that they have less processing to do.
�
Q. So how much water do we waste and how
A.
It is difficult to get a national figure, but there are some startling statistics. For instance, the average long flush loo uses 16 litres of water every time while a short flush loo uses just over half of that amount. It is estimated that we flush away 600 million gallons a day, enough to supply Birmingham with water. A single drip from a tap wastes 1200 litres of water in a year while cleaning six mugs under a running tap uses more water than filling a washing up bowl.�
Q. So what practical measures can we take around the house
A.
Why not start by installing a water meter if you haven't got one. Not only will you see how much you use, you'll be able to monitor the savings you make as you go along. If installing a new short flush toilet is a step too far install a water saving device - variously called hippos or hogs - which simply take up space in the cistern which would otherwise be water. They save about two pints every time you flush. You can get a free one from the government's www.doingyourbit.org.uk� website or from your local water company.�
Turn the tap off while you're brushing your teeth and turn it back on when you're finished. If you brush for a minute you'll save approximately 14 litres of water.
Taking showers instead of baths saves a huge amount of water, with an average family potentially saving 500 litres a week by doing so. When using the dishwasher or washing machine wait until you have a full load. The standard washing machine uses 100 litres per time.
�
Q. What about in the garden
A.
If you have a sprinkler, use it sparingly, just once a week even in the hottest spells. Having it on for just half an hour doubles the amount of water consumed by the average family in a day. It is also good gardening sense as over watering encourages the roots to come to the surface.Get a water butt to store rainwater for general watering rather than getting it from the tap. Not only is it better for the plants because it doesn't have additives like chlorine in it, it's free too.
Use buckets of water rather than a hose when you're washing the car and you could save as much as 300 litres of water in one go.
�
If you've got a question about your home or garden, click here.
�
By Tom Gard
