Save Water - Ways in which you can help to conserve water

About 12 years ago, Thames Water sent a free Water Hippo in the post with the water bill and this is how I came to know about this water saving device. The Water Hippo is a little water saving device, which you put into the toilet cistern, and helps to save approximately 3 litres of water on each flush.

I am always amazed by the amount of water that is wasted each time we use the toilet, and I think everybody should have one of these water saving devices. They are quick and easy to implement and very effective with very little effort.

The free Water Hippo from Thames water is effective because:

1. Your toilets will flush as normal wasting less water
2. By putting the Free Water Hippo into your toilet cistern you will reduce the amount of water used
3. It will save you money if you use a water meter, with significant savings on your water bills.

Another water saving device that will save you 1 litre of water per flush, which I have just discovered on the Thames water website is the save-a-flush, it works in a similar fashion to the Water Hippo. To get your free save-a-flush from Thames water or to order your free save a flush from Severn Trent Water, you can visit their websites and request for your free water saving devices and help to save water each time you flush the toilet.


Other water saving methods:

Toilets with dual flush - flush once and half the cistern is used, flush twice and the whole cistern is emptied, this depends on what you have used the toilet for.

Use a water butt - This collects rain water which can be used to water the plants in the garden, saving you money and at the same time helping the environment. Natural rainwater is better for plants, therefore your plants will get all the benefits of natural rainwater, just fill up your watering can and you're ready to go. A water butt is handy and convenient for you when there is a hosepipe ban.

Turn the tap off - when you're not using the tap, please turn it off, especially while brushing your teeth and when cooking.

Dripping tap - Make sure you have fully turned off the taps. A great deal of water is wasted by a dripping tap.

Use a shower - Taking a quick shower instead of having a bath will help you to save water.

Don't overfill the kettle - When you're treating yourself to a nice cup of tea, use only what you need and don't fill the kettle to the brim.


Useful External Links

Thames Water - Order a Water Saving Device

Hippo and Save-a-Flush bags - London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames