News

You would be forgiven for thinking that we had an everlasting supply of water, given that about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in it. But surprisingly, only around 3% of the Earth’s water is freshwater, and the majority of that is either inaccessible or actually ice.

With increasing challenges from population growth and climate change, it’s an important time to think about water, and how we look after it.

This week (29 April – 3 May), Severn Trent is supporting Waterwise’s ‘Water Saving Week’ and is urging all of its customers to think about water, and the role they can play in looking after this precious resource.

Doug Clarke, water efficiency manager at Severn Trent, said: “We’re all responsible for doing the right thing when it comes to saving water. We use it every single day, whether it’s to cook with or to use it to wash, whether we drink it so we’re hydrated and healthy or play in it at a swimming pool – it has a role in our lives and we need to look after it.

“All it takes are some simple changes around the home and thousands of litres water can be saved. Something as simple as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth can save around 24 litres of water every day – which can also mean you’re saving money if you’re on a meter.”

Severn Trent encourages customers to carry out checks for leaky loos and taps, turning taps off when brushing teeth, and opting for a quick shower rather than a bath, all of which can help save litres of water.

The company also advises its customers to save water in the garden by avoiding sprinklers, as they can use up to 1,000 litres of drinking water in just one hour, almost as much as a family of four normally use in two days. 

“Plants aren’t picky when it comes to water either, so you can water your plants with dishwater or even water you’ve boiled your pasta or veggies in,” adds Doug. “It’s the little changes like these that can really make all the difference when it comes to saving water, and making sure we’re being responsible and all doing our bit in looking after it.”

Doug’s top tips to save water:

• Take a short shower (average 40 litres a time) instead of taking a bath (80 litres);

• Watch out for leaking loos;

• Use a water butt in the garden to collect rain water, and use this to water the plants;

• Only use the dishwasher when it’s full; and

• Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth.

Severn Trent has lots of water saving devices and advice on it’s website at stwater.co.uk/savewater