Residential Water Usage
Do you take a bath or shower?
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INTERESTING WATER FACT
THE SHOWER WATER WE USE ACCOUNTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 50% OF OUR WATER CONSUMPTION.
Taking a shower instead of a bath offers the opportunity to save water. In hot climates
people typically take 2 or 3 showers to cope with the hot weather.
Residential Water Usage
How long is the average shower duration?
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QUICK WATER TIP
AN ANGLIAN WATER RECENT INDICATES THAT THE AVERAGE TIME IN THE SHOWER IS 8 MINUTES.
The average shower uses between 15 litres/minute to 20 litres/minute. Longer showers
can result in significant water use. An 8 minute shower with a 20 litres/minute
showerhead can result in between 90 litres to 120 litres of water used per shower.
Showerheads have come a long way, and aerated showerheads can reduce water
consumption down to 5 litres/minute. An example of an aerated showerhead is the Kelda
showerhead that is shown on the image.
Residential Water Usage
What type of shower do you have?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
THE NUMBER OF BEDROOMS IN A HOUSE CAN AFFECT THE WATER USAGE.
Typically the more bedrooms often imply more occupants in the household,
leading to increased water usage for activities such as bathing, toilet flushing,
laundry, and dishwashing. Overall, while the number of bedrooms alone may not
be the sole determinant of water usage in a house, it can serve as an indicator of
factors such as household size, occupancy, and indoor/outdoor water needs, all
of which can collectively influence water consumption.
Residential Water Usage
How big is your bath?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
AN AVERAGE PERSON VISITS THE TOILETS 4 TIMES A DAY.
A typical single flush cistern discharges 6 litres/flush, and per day you will flush away 24
litres/person. Whilst a dual flush toilet 6/3 litre/flush, has an effective flush volume of 3.75
litres/flush; resulting in a 15 litres/flush per day. So using a dual flush toilet saves 37.5%
of water per person per day.
Residential Water Usage
What type of dishwasher do you have?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
USING A DISHWASHER EFFICIENTLY CAN HELP SAVE WATER AND ENERGY.
Wait for a Full Load: Run the dishwasher only when it's fully loaded. Running
partial loads wastes water and energy.
Scrape, Don't Pre-Rinse: Scrape off food scraps from dishes instead of pre-rinsing them under running water. Most modern dishwashers are designed to effectively clean dishes without the need for pre-rinsing.
Use the Eco or Light Wash Cycle: These cycles use less water and energy compared to normal or heavy-duty cycles while still effectively cleaning dishes.
Scrape, Don't Pre-Rinse: Scrape off food scraps from dishes instead of pre-rinsing them under running water. Most modern dishwashers are designed to effectively clean dishes without the need for pre-rinsing.
Use the Eco or Light Wash Cycle: These cycles use less water and energy compared to normal or heavy-duty cycles while still effectively cleaning dishes.
Residential Water Usage
What type of toilet do you have?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
MOST OF THE SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST HOME COUNTIES ARE WATERSTRESSED.
The average person in the United Kingdom uses between 145 to 156 l/p/d of water. 60%
of our water comes from aquifers and these are significantly overmined to 700 million
litres per year. A reduction in water use by 20% can result in a significant reduction
in energy bills by an equivalent amount.
Residential Water Usage
Do you have a waste disposal unit at home?
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INTERESTING WATER FACT
60% OF TAP WATER IN THE UK COMES FROM BOREHOLES.
In the United Kingdom, there are differences between tap water (provided by
public water supply systems) and borehole water (obtained from private
groundwater sources such as boreholes or wells). Drinking water however
sourced is subject to strict regulations and frequent testing to ensure it meets
quality standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) in England and
Wales. Borehole owners have additional requirements set by the Environment
Agency.
Residential Water Usage
How old is your house?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
IN 2010 THE BUILDING REGULATION STIPULATED THAT ALL NEW HOMES SHOULD MEET 125 I/P/D STANDARD.
Older houses in the UK may have lower water efficiency compared to newer
properties, there are opportunities for homeowners to improve efficiency through
retrofitting, upgrades, and behavioural changes. Retrofitting older homes with
water-efficient fixtures, appliances, and landscaping can help reduce water
consumption, lower utility bills, and minimise environmental impact. Additionally,
regular maintenance and repairs to address leaks and inefficiencies in plumbing
systems can further improve water efficiency in older properties.
Residential Water Usage
Do you have a water softener at home?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
COMBINING LAUNDRY WASHES IN A WEEK SAVES WATER, ENERGY AND DETERGENTS.
Before making a purchase, it's essential to compare the energy efficiency ratings,
water consumption, and additional features such as load capacity, wash
programs, and smart connectivity. Additionally, consider looking for washing
machines that bear the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label or the
Waterwise Marque, as these certifications indicate high levels of energy and
water efficiency.
Residential Water Usage
What type of taps do you have?
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INTERESTING WATER FACT
LARGER HOUSES WITH WATER EFFICIENT FITTINGS CAN USE LESS WATER PERSON THAN SMALLER HOUSES.
While detached homes may have higher water usage on average due to their larger size
and outdoor spaces, water usage can vary widely within each property type depending
on factors such as occupancy, lifestyle, and water-saving measures implemented.
Additionally, improvements in water-efficient fixtures, appliances, and landscaping can
help reduce water consumption in all types of properties.
External Water Usage
How many times do you wash your car per week?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
Car washing using a hose can lead to considerable water use of up to 530 litres; just over the daily water consumption for 3 adults
The amount of water used for car washing can vary depending on the method and equipment
used, as well as individual practices. However, a typical car wash at home using a hose and
bucket can use anywhere from 300 to 530 litres of water, while commercial car washes can use
around 110 to 170 litres per vehicle.
External Water Usage
How do you wash your car?
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QUICK WATER TIP
You do not need to use tap water for fruits and vegetables!
The most efficient way to water a household fruits and vegetables garden per week
depends on various factors such as climate, soil type, plant types, and watering
equipment available.
External Water Usage
How often do you water your garden per week?
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QUICK WATER TIP
Recycled greywater offers a great solution for topping up the swimming pool.
Maintaining a swimming pool while conserving water requires careful management of
water usage and minimising water loss.
External Water Usage
Do you have a swimming pool?
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INTERESTING WATER FACT
Community water-saving initiatives for houses or apartments can be effective in promoting water conservation on a larger scale.
By implementing community water-saving initiatives, households and apartments can
collectively contribute to significant water savings, promote sustainable water management
practices, and build a culture of conservation within the community.
Physical Conditions
Which country are you in?
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CRITICAL WATER FACT
The incidence of climate change is resulting in recurrent droughts globally, resulting in significant water shortages.
The global water crisis manifests differently in each of these countries, but common
themes include water scarcity, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, and unequal access
to clean water and sanitation services. Addressing the water crisis requires holistic
approaches that prioritise water conservation, sustainable management practices,
investment in infrastructure, and equitable access to water resources for all
populations.
Physical Conditions
What type of climate best characterizes your environment?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
Different climates are associated with rainfall patterns
These simplified categories provide a broad overview of how different climates are
associated with rainfall patterns, making it easier to understand the general
characteristics of each climate type.
Arid Climate: Very low rainfall, often characterised by desert conditions with little to no vegetation. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Namibia.
Semi-Arid Climate: Low to moderate rainfall, typically with dry, hot summers and cool winters. Vegetation may include grasslands and shrubs. South Africa, Spain, Mexico.
Temperate Climate: Moderate rainfall with distinct seasons, conducive to agriculture and varied landscapes. United Kingdom, France.
Humid Climate: Moderate to high rainfall, supporting lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. Singapore, Brazil.
Mild Climate: Moderate rainfall with distinct seasons, conducive to agriculture and varied landscapes. New Zealand, Chile, Japan.
Cold Climate: Low to moderate precipitation, often in the form of snow, with cold temperatures year-round. Norway, Iceland
Arid Climate: Very low rainfall, often characterised by desert conditions with little to no vegetation. UAE, Saudi Arabia, Namibia.
Semi-Arid Climate: Low to moderate rainfall, typically with dry, hot summers and cool winters. Vegetation may include grasslands and shrubs. South Africa, Spain, Mexico.
Temperate Climate: Moderate rainfall with distinct seasons, conducive to agriculture and varied landscapes. United Kingdom, France.
Humid Climate: Moderate to high rainfall, supporting lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems. Singapore, Brazil.
Mild Climate: Moderate rainfall with distinct seasons, conducive to agriculture and varied landscapes. New Zealand, Chile, Japan.
Cold Climate: Low to moderate precipitation, often in the form of snow, with cold temperatures year-round. Norway, Iceland
Physical Conditions
Are there any local water scarcity issues or restrictions on water usage or droughts?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
Water is increasingly becoming scarce globally!
In recent years globally there have been recurrent droughts resulting in significant episodes of
water scarcity, in some instances prolonged episodes has led to a water crisis. Increasingly
owing to climate change, economic activity and population growth many countries are
increasingly becoming water stressed.
Physical Conditions
Are alternative water sources availabe in your area?
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INTERESTING WATER FACTS
Alternative water sources!
Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses, promoting water
conservation and reducing reliance on municipal water sources. Greywater recycling programs
treat and reuse wastewater from household activities for non-potable purposes, contributing to
sustainable water management. The purchase of bottled water provides a convenient but costly
source of drinking water, with environmental considerations regarding plastic waste and energy
consumption. Water supply trucks transport bulk water to areas facing shortages or
emergencies, offering short-term relief but emphasising the need for long-term solutions to
water management challenges.
Physical Conditions
Do you use any water filtration or purification methods?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACTS
People use water filters for several reasons!
Improving Water Quality: Water filters can remove impurities, contaminants, and odors from
tap water, improving its taste, odor, and appearance. This is particularly important in areas
where the municipal water supply may contain pollutants or have a chlorine taste.
Health Concerns: Water filters can remove harmful substances such as bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and chemicals from drinking water, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and long-term health effects associated with exposure to contaminants.
Enhancing Safety: Using a water filter provides an added layer of protection against potential water quality issues, giving individuals peace of mind that their drinking water is safe and clean.
Convenience: Having a water filter at home eliminates the need to buy bottled water, reducing plastic waste and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. It also provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for accessing clean drinking water directly from the tap.
Health Concerns: Water filters can remove harmful substances such as bacteria, parasites, heavy metals, and chemicals from drinking water, reducing the risk of waterborne illnesses and long-term health effects associated with exposure to contaminants.
Enhancing Safety: Using a water filter provides an added layer of protection against potential water quality issues, giving individuals peace of mind that their drinking water is safe and clean.
Convenience: Having a water filter at home eliminates the need to buy bottled water, reducing plastic waste and the environmental impact of single-use plastics. It also provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for accessing clean drinking water directly from the tap.
Water Conservation Practices
Do you have a rainwater harvesting system installed at your property?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
People use water filters for several reasons!
Water-efficient fittings such as dual flush toilets, low flow showers, low flow taps, and spray taps
are integral in making homes more efficient. Dual flush toilets offer two flush options, conserving
water by using less for liquid waste. Low flow showers and taps limit water flow without
compromising pressure, reducing water usage by up to 30%. Spray taps efficiently rinse dishes
with targeted streams, minimising water waste. Together, these fittings promote sustainability,
lower water bills, and maintain comfort for occupants.
Water Conservation Practices
Do you have knowledge about rainwater harvesting systems?
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QUICK WATER TIP
Did you know that Rainwater Harvesting can help you conserve water?
Rainwater harvesting provides numerous benefits for residential homes and the
environment. By capturing rainwater for non-potable uses such as irrigation and flushing,
homeowners can conserve water, reduce costs, and alleviate strain on municipal
supplies. Additionally, rainwater harvesting reduces stormwater runoff, improves soil
moisture, and enhances drought resilience. With minimal environmental impact and
significant advantages for both households and ecosystems, rainwater harvesting
represents a sustainable solution for water management.
Water Conservation Practices
Does your property have a water butt installed?
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QUICK WATER TIP
Recycling greywater can significantly reduce your water consumption by up to 45%?
Greywater recycling systems offer numerous benefits for residential homes, water
supply, and the environment. By capturing and treating wastewater from household
activities, such as bathing and laundry, for reuse in non-potable applications, these
systems promote water conservation and reduce dependence on freshwater sources.
This leads to cost savings for homeowners, alleviates strain on municipal infrastructure,
and reduces environmental impact by lowering energy and chemical usage.
Water Conservation Practices
Have you implemented any greywater recycling systems?
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WATER SAVING TIP
Water Butts are a quick and easy means of harvesting rainwater from the gutters?
Using a water butt for rainwater harvesting offers multiple benefits for residential homes,
gardens, car washing, vegetables, and the environment. It provides a free and
sustainable water source, leading to cost savings and reduced reliance on treated tap
water. Rainwater collected in a water butt is chemical-free, making it ideal for watering
plants, promoting healthier growth, and conserving water resources. Additionally, it
enhances drought resilience, reduces carbon emissions, and contributes to
environmental sustainability.
Environmental Impact
Have you considered the carbon footprint associated with your water usage, such as energy used for heating water?
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IMPORTANT WATER FACT
Treatment and distribution of water results in a significant amount of carbon emissions?
The carbon footprint of municipal water treatment and supply arises from
energy-intensive processes such as pumping, treatment, and distribution, as well as
chemical usage and infrastructure construction. These activities rely on fossil fuels,
contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts to improve energy efficiency, invest in
renewable energy, reduce chemical usage, and promote water conservation can help
mitigate the environmental impact of water treatment and supply systems.
Environmental Impact
Are you aware of any local ecosystems or habitats affected by water withdrawals or pollution?
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CRITICAL WATER FACT
The Environment Agency has reported that we are currently overcoming our aquifers by 700 million litres a day
Overall, reducing domestic water us not only conserves water resources but also contributes to energy savings, lower utility
bills, and progress towards net-zero targets for reducing carbon emmisions. By adopting water-saving practices and investing
in sustainable and resillient water-energy nexus. On a broader scale, reducing domestic water use leads to lower energy consumption
in the treatment, pumping, and distribution.
Environmental Impact
Do you think water conservation is for the environment and future generations?
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CRITICAL WATER FACT
Over the last 5 years the UK has experienced recurrent droughts with critical water shortages experienced in London, Sussex and Cambridgeshire?
Water conservation in the UK is vital for environmental preservation, economic stability, food security, climate change adaptation
and the well-being of future generations. With challenges such as over-mining aquifers and climate change exacerbating water scarcity,
implementing effective conservation measures is essential. These measures can lead to cost savings, support for the future. Overall,
prioritising water conservation is curcial for sustaining ecosystems, economies and societies in the long term.
YOUR DAILY FOOTPRINT
CONGRATULATIONS
Your annual footprint is well below the UK average. Keep up the great work and share your score!
YOUR DAILY FOOTPRINT IS EQUAL TO
UK AVERAGE FOOTPRINT
4645 LITRES PER YEAR
YOUR FOOTPRINT IS
00%
OF THE UK AVERAGE FOR 2024
WORLD AVERAGE
1385 m³ PER YEAR
HELPING FAMILIES SAVE WATER
We're dedicated to supporting young people and their families to learn more about saving water, the environment and in-turn money.
FIND OUT MORELETS BREAK IT DOWN
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TOP WATER SAVING TIPS
RESIDENTIAL
YOUR CONSUMPTION IS X TO X CUBIC LITRES
This is roughly the same weight as X items
EXTERNAL
YOUR CONSUMPTION IS X TO X CUBIC LITRES
This is roughly the same weight as X items
PHYSICAL
YOUR CONSUMPTION IS X TO X CUBIC LITRES
This is roughly the same weight as X items
CONSERVATION
YOUR CONSUMPTION IS X TO X CUBIC LITRES
This is roughly the same weight as X items
ENVIRONMENTAL
YOUR CONSUMPTION IS X TO X CUBIC LITRES
This is roughly the same weight as X items