Hose pipe ban incoming! How to save water
Sussex is about to be under a hose pipe ban, along with Kent. What’s the deal with the ban, and how can we be more conscious of our water usage?
From Friday 12 August, Sussex will be under a hosepipe ban from South East Water. This will mean hosepipes cannot be used. So how can we save water? We have some ways you’ve probably not thought of…
Whether that’s to water plants, either by hand or a sprinkler, washing cars, or filling up paddling pools or ponds. Individuals breaking this ban can face a fine of £1,000.
…a sixth of water supplied by South East water is being wasted
It has been the driest eight months since 1976, and a sixth of water supplied by South East Water is being wasted. Therefore, a hosepipe ban aims to prevent a severe lack in water supplies in the coming months.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are already under a hosepipe ban from Southern Water. The green thumbs amongst us won’t be keen on thirsty plants. So here are some tips to save water and keep your garden happy.
Watering gardens with a hosepipe is banned from 12th August (Image: pixabay)
Collect otherwise wasted water
One of the easiest solutions is to collect the water that would otherwise go down the drain.
Waste water – running taps
Before you throw away your milk cartons, rinse them out and keep them by the sink. Use them to collect the water from your taps when waiting for the tap to heat up or cool down. This water can easily be used to fill your watering can for your plants. You could also place a carton in the fridge so you always have ice cold water.
Waste water – shower
Place a bucket under the shower when you turn it on and wait for it to reach temperature. You can store the water collected in the bucket in a water butt until you need it.
Waste water – cooking
Wash your produce in a bowl rather than a colander over the sink. Remember to also save the water from your salad spinners.
Water from cooking pasta, rice, or boiling veg, can also be used to water your plants. They’ll be super grateful for the starch and nutrients released in the water from the food, as it acts as a fertiliser.
Heres how you can use collected water for Sussex wildlife!
(Image: pixabay)
Don’t use water unless you have to
To reduce your water usage, make sure to only use appliances when you have to. Use dishwashers and washing machines when full, and save multiple uses and gallons of water. Wait to have a good stack of dishes if you wash up by hand.
Water saving gadgets
(Image: pixabay)
Here are a couple of top water saving gadgets for your bathroom, that you won’t notice, but over time will make a big difference.
Gadgets – Water displacement bag
A water displacement bag sits in your toilet tank, reducing the area for water to fill up. There is then less water in the tank to go down the toilet when you flush. They’re very affordable, with most bags under £5, and you won’t even see it.
Gadgets – Eco smart shower head
Many eco smart shower heads maintain a strong water pressure by using air flow. The air keeps the pressure of the shower head high without using the same amount of water as a standard shower.
Being water conscious
These tips won’t make a significant change to our day-to-day activities. However, they can significantly reduce our water usage over time. This also saves energy used to heat and pump water to our homes, reducing your carbon footprint, and money on your bill. Water supplies are becoming more precious as dry periods become longer. The more water we save, the better off we all are for it.
(Image: pixabay)
If you’d like to learn more about the ban visit hosepipeban.org.