Last week was the 20th anniversary of World Water Week – an event that seeks solutions to water problems and examines the issues facing people worldwide when it comes to access to this precious resource.
UK water pressure group Waterwise has been urging everyone to save water, energy and money by being more water efficient in their daily lives and routines.
It says that heating water is the second-largest user of energy in the home, after space heating, and it accounts for around a quarter of a household’s annual energy bill.
That means reducing water wastage could really help you save money, energy and water and to reduce your carbon emissions.
Making small changes to your daily routine can help to make a big difference. For instance, Waterwise says that cutting a minute off a shower will save an average of nine litres of water every minute.
It is urging everyone in the UK to save one litre of water a day – an ammount that would save enough water to supply 410,000 people with their daily water needs, or more than enough water to supply all of Cardiff for one day.
Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise said: “The profile of water efficiency has risen dramatically over the past five years and now awareness is a lot higher.
“Wven World Water Week is themed around using water wisely. We can all do our bit to help save water and look after water supplies, plants and animals.
“Simple changes in behavior like turning the tap off when you brush your teeth, washing up in a washing up bowl rather than under a running tap and always using a full load in the washing machine and dishwasher can all help to save large volumes of water.
“We can also all invest in water-efficient devices when old ones need upgrading, and save water without having to consciously make the effort.”