We are joining forces with Water UK to help the public to be savvy about their water use this winter; helping customers save money on their bills while doing their bit to replenish water stocks ahead of next summer.

New research* shows that:
 • 81% of people are concerned about the cost of their energy bills this winter
 • The average household of four could save £472 per year by making small changes to save water
 •  Only one third (30%) think it is important to save water during winter, compared with almost 80% during the summer

Taking small steps to save water will help households save money, not only on their water bills but on their energy bills too.  Figures from the Energy Trust * show that heating water makes up almost a fifth (18%) of the cost of a household energy bill. Water UK found that 81% of people are concerned about the cost of their energy bills this winter.

Despite the weather getting colder and wetter during the winter, the record-breaking dry and warm weather this summer left reservoir stocks in England at their lowest levels on record. While the rainy weather is helping to alleviate the damage, some parts of the country remain in drought. The public are being encouraged to reduce their water use this winter to help prevent further restrictions next year.

New research from Water UK found that less than a third (30%) of people recognise the importance of saving water during the winter, compared to 80% of people who said it was important during summer.

For the first time, industry body Water UK is running its national summer Water’s Worth Saving campaign throughout the winter months. The campaign will show why saving water during the winter matters, as well as offering hints and tips on how to save water, and energy, in the home. 

Collectively, we can make a big difference by making small changes, while easing the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis. This could include:

Fixing leaks in your home 
Reduce your water waste by fixing leaks – a leaky loo wastes between 215 and 400 litres of water per day

Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth 
If each person runs the tap while brushing their teeth for two minutes, that's 24 litres a day wasted! Turning off the tap could save £40 per year

Washing clothes at a lower temperature 
Running your washing machine on 30 degrees and using it once a week less will save £34 a year from your energy bill

Only using appliances when full 
Washing machines use on average 60 litres per cycle, and a dishwasher uses 10 litres of water each time

Taking a shorter shower 
Taking a 4 minute shower could save a household of four £165 a year on their energy bills and a further £100 on water bills

Using an energy efficient shower head 
Switching to an aerated shower head could save a household of four £75 off your energy bills per year and a further £45 off your water bill

Only boil what you need 
Avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £13 a year on your electricity bill

Invest in a water butt for your garden 
The average roof collects 85,000 litres of rain a year, enough to fill a water butt 450 times

All water companies are playing their part too; Ofwat figures released earlier this year show leakage has fallen each and every year since 2018-19 and is now at the lowest level ever recorded. All companies also have ambitious plans using new technology and innovation to halve leakage by 2050. 

Save water to save energy

Find more ways to save energy by saving water

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 *Notes:

• Savanta surveyed 2,238 UK adults online between 28th-30th October. Data were weighted to be nationally representative of all UK adults by age, gender region and social grade
• Energy savings are for a four-person, gas-heated home in Great Britain, using a gas price of 10.3p/kWh and electricity price of 34.0p/kWh (based on Energy Price Guarantee October 2022). Water savings are based on average occupancy. Correct as of 1 October 2022. 
• Headline figure is based on an average household of four taking the following water saving measures: washing clothes at a lower temperature; taking a shorter shower; using an energy efficient shower head; avoid overfilling the kettle.

Posted: 15 November 2022