Water Conservation

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Water is a precious resource. In Southeast England we have less water available per person than the Sudan; with the prospect of climate change this could become worse with more summer droughts. In addition to this we are using more and more water.
 
There is a direct link between water use and carbon emissions. The energy used to treat, pump and heat water in homes and businesses produces carbon dioxide. So by reducing water consumption will also reduce carbon emissions.
 
 
Please scroll down or click on the following shortcuts for top tips on water conservation.
 
 
 
Top Tips - For Saving Water in Places of Worship and Community Halls
 
Water may be costing you more than you think as you are paying for it to be supplied and for waste water to be taken away.

Management

  • Monitor your water bills- sudden increases many mean you have a leak. If a leak is suspected take a meter reading last thing at night and first thing in the morning. If the reading has changed a leak is likely.
  • Conditions of hire – For community halls include water saving tips in your conditions of hire
  • Fix dripping taps – they could be wasting up to one litre per minute
  • Fit hippos and save a flush bags (cistern displacement devices) they can save up to 3 litres per flush. They are often available free of charge from your water company
  • Use the plug to wash up crockery. This stops clean water pouring down the plug hole
  • Fill the dishwasher – make sure you have a full load before switching on. Look for water saving models when replacing old units.
  • Collect rainwater in water butts for watering outside plants
  • Grow the grass longer in the summer – it looks greener and doesn’t need watering
For more water saving information, hints and tips visit the following pages:
https://www.southernwater.org.uk/BusinessCustomers/waterEfficiencyForBusiness  - the Small change big savings booklet contains a useful guide including how to conduct a water audit.
 
Medium Cost Measures
  • Install low and dual flush toilets when replacing existing units, the maximum cistern volume of new toilets is 6 litres, compared with 9 litres for older models
  • Tap controls are an easy and cheap way of reducing water consumption and are available in both new and retrofit versions. Different types include infra red, battery operated, simple push top and spray taps.
  • Urinal controls can be retrofitted to existing urinals, ensuring that the cistern flushes at regular intervals when the building is in use, or after use rather than continuously.
www.waterwise.org.uk offers advice on products that use less water
 
Other Measures
 
The following options should be considered particularly in the construction of a new building:
  • Washroom control systems not only limit hot and colds water supply, but also control lighting and ventilation, therefore providing additional energy savings
  • Rainwater harvesting systems collect and filter rain water from roofs or large paved areas such as car parks. This water can then be used for toilet flushing or vehicle washing
  • Grey water recycling involves using waste water from washroom basins and showers and using for flushing toilets or outside watering.
  • When purchasing new equipment, take its water efficiency into account. It may be more expensive to buy water efficient equipment, but it may have a short payback period due to the water savings achieved
Top Tips - For Saving Water at Home
 
Ways to save water inside the home
  • Install a water saving device in your toilet cistern (available from your water company)
  • Take a quick shower instead of a bath
  • Have a full load before using a washing machine or dishwasher
  • Don’t leave the tap running while brushing your teeth or washing vegetables
  • Fix dripping taps
 
Ways to save water in the garden
  • Install a water butt
  • Use mulch to reduce water lost from the soil
  • Water plants early morning and late evening when its cooler
  • Established plants do not need watering every day, over watering new plants will encourage a shallow root ball
  • Choose plants for your garden that are more tolerant to drought – Southern Water website offers advice on drought tolerant species
And finally….. FLOODING.
 
The Environment Agency issue flood warnings, and offer a service whereby warnings may be received by phone, fax, text or email. Their website holds useful information about protecting against flooding www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods. The national floodline number is 0845 988 1188.
 

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This page was last updated on 10/05/10 at 09:35:27
Office Use Only: 5/12-02-11/Helen Swyer