Water

Although you would think that England has plenty of rain, in the South East we actually have less water per person than Spain and Italy!

We also use more than most people, with the average person in Hampshire using 162 litres per day compared with the national average of 148 litres per day (source: the Environment Agency).

Here’s how you can take simple steps to start saving water, saving money and helping the environment.

Reduce water use

It takes a large amount of energy to produce drinking water so by cutting back on water use you will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With more households now on water meters, reducing your water use is also likely to save you money.

At home:

• Turn the tap off while cleaning your teeth
• Only boil enough water for your needs. You will save energy as well as water
• Have a shower instead of a bath. An average bath uses around 135 to 230 litres of water. A four-minute shower using a standard showerhead uses about 90 litres of water and a low flow head uses just 45 litres. However, more than five minutes in a power shower and you will no longer be saving water!
• Reduce washing machine and dishwasher use. If you are buying a new one, choose a washing machine or dishwasher that is both water-efficient and energy-efficient.
• Use a washing up bowl instead of the sink. This reduces the amount of water you need for washing up and afterwards you can carry it to the garden to water your plants!
• Put a water saving device in your toilet cistern. They simply reduce the amount of water you send down the drain each time you flush. Bought ones are cheap and simple to install (such as a Hippo and Interflush, available online from places such as Natural Collection and Ethical Superstore, or you could ask your local water provider) or you could make one yourself from an old drinks bottle filled with sand or brick. You could also convert your cistern to a dual flush system which will still give a heavier flush when necessary.
• Fix leaking taps. Changing a washer will normally fix leaks and save vast amounts of water.
• Fit spray taps. Consider fitting spray or aerating taps instead of conventional ones.
• Consider cutting water use by installing a dry, composting toilet – Composting toilets are effective and hygienic but do not appeal to everyone. They can save vast quantities of water and produce a useable, fertilising after-product.

In the garden:

• Opt for plants that need little water or are drought resistant. This is especially if you have a dry, free draining soil.
• Plant according to local topography - for example, put plants with a higher water requirement in dips or any area that is likely to retain the most water naturally.
• Let your lawn grow  As the thirstiest part of any garden the lawn can need large amounts of water just when supplies are most stressed. Letting your grass grow longer helps prevent water loss as it shades the soil.

Re-use your water

Having reduced the amount of water we use in the first place we can then find ways to re-use water that would otherwise go down the drain!

• Collect rainwater. Install a simple water butt for garden watering or consider more sophisticated systems that use the water for washing machines and flushing the toilet.
• Use water from your bath or shower. Convert your down pipe from your bath or shower into the garden to reuse water. Shampoos and soaps are fairly mild pollutants and are generally well diluted in bath and shower water, so should be safe for garden plants. To be completely confident, you could buy shampoos and soaps made from natural ingredients.
• Re-use water from cooking for your flower beds and pots. Any water used for cooking vegetables for example, is likely to contain valuable nutrients for your plants. Be careful not to use water loaded with salt or oil.

Further information

Bournemouth and West Hampshire Water
www.bwhwater.co.uk.

visit  for water efficiency advice.Call 01202 590059

Southern Water
www.southernwater.co.uk.

visit  for water efficiency advice. Call 0845 272 0845

Waterwise
www.waterwise.org.uk.

visit for information on water saving; dishwasher and washing machine rankings; water saving devices. Call 020 7957 4615

The UK Rainwater Harvesting Association
www.ukrha.org.

Visit  for information on rainwater harvesting systems.

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT)
www.cat.org.uk.

visit  for factsheets and publications on a variety of subjects including compost toilets. Call 01654 705989

WaterAid.
www.wateraid.org/uk:

An international charity working to overcome poverty by enabling the world's poorest people to gain access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education. A good reminder just how precious a resource water is, as their site tells the story of nearly 900 million people in the world who still lack access to safe water.

The mention of an individual product, brand or company is for illustrative purposes only and should not be taken as either an endorsement or recommendation by the New Forest National Park Authority of that individual product, brand or company. You are advised to seek independent professional advice as to what might be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

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