Water Conservation
Essex is one of the driest parts of the country and we don't
have enough water within the area to meet demand. This means that
we have to import water from other areas. Increased population
growth and modern appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines
and garden sprinklers have contributed to increased pressure on
water supply, and during the summer months there is an even greater
demand for water. This bulletin will give you some facts about
water use, and a few ideas on how we can conserve it.
Some Facts About Water Use
Did you know that:
- A third of an average family's water use is flushed down the
toilet.
- We each use around 155 litres of water a day on average, which
is 70% more than 30 years ago.
- Running a tap can use 10-14 litres of water a minute.
- In half an hour, a garden sprinkler uses as much water as a
family of four in a day.
- Using a hose to wash your car wastes up to 300 litres of
water.
- The probability of summer rainfall being less than half of
required levels could increase from once every century to once
every 10 years.
Saving Water In The Garden
While gardens need water to survive, we must all be careful not
to use more water than necessary. Even when there are no
restrictions on water use during the hot weather, water should
still be used wisely.
Why not try the following tips:
- Re-use the water from the laundry, bathroom and kitchen to
water the garden.
- If you need to water your plants, it is best to do it after
sundown, so moisture is retained in the soil overnight and into the
following morning.
- Use drought resistant bedding plants such as alyssum,
geraniums, French and African marigolds, and petunias.
- When watering with a can, direct the flow around the base of
the plant.
- Don't over water your lawn as this encourages surface rooting,
making it more susceptible to drought.
- During dry weather, cut your lawn grass less frequently, and
don't use a grass box. Leave cuttings on the lawn to retain water
and nutrients.
- Top dress the lawn with a good compost to improve the soil, but
take care not to overfeed as this may scorch the grass.
- Capture rainfall all year round by using a water butt.
- Wash your car with a bucket and sponge, or fit a trigger gun so
that you only use water when you need it.
If you want to use a garden sprinkler, or any other unattended
watering device, then you MUST have a water meter and pay for the
water used. By comparison, trickle systems control the flow of
water onto your plants and use only 4 litres of water per hour.
Mulching is a good way of conserving moisture already in the soil.
Spread a 5-8cm layer of decomposed organic matter or wood chip
around the base of shrubs and perennials in the Spring, preferably
after heavy rain. Not only does this reduce evaporation, it
suppresses weeds, improves soil structure, maintains uniform soil
temperature and may even help to reduce pest and disease
attacks.
Saving Water In The Bathroom
- If you have a dual flush toilet, use only the short flush - the
longer flush uses more water than may be necessary.
- Install a toilet that uses 7.5 litres per flush (this is
standard in all toilets installed after January 1st, 1993).
- Install a 'Save-a-Flush', 'hippo' or 'hog' in your toilet
cistern.
- Check all taps for drips and replace all washers as
necessary.
- Make sure there is a plug in the basin, and use it!
- Don't leave the tap running while you clean your teeth.
- Rinse your razor in a glass rather than under the tap.
- Have a shower rather than a bath - this can reduce water use by
two thirds.
Saving Water In The Kitchen
- As with the bathroom basin, check that the taps do not drip,
and replace worn washers and plugs.
- Don't leave the tap running while you are washing dishes or
scrubbing vegetables as it wastes a lot of water.
- Ensure you have a full load of dishes before turning on the
dishwasher (or the washing machine when doing your laundry).
- Don't fill up the entire sink just to wash a few dishes - use a
bowl.
How Much Water Do You Use?
Here are some average figures so you can work out how much water
you use in your household:
- Taking a bath - 90 litres
- Taking a shower - 30 litres
- Flushing a toilet - 9 litres
- Using a dishwasher - 20/50 litres
- Using a washing machine - 100 litres
- Using a garden sprinkler for 10 minutes - 100 litres