Are You Wasting Water? UK Water Use Explained

We can't get by without water and it's up to everyone to do their part to save as much as possible. But, how can you tell whether you're using too many litres of water per month?

Saving water starts with understanding what's considered normal usage within your UK home or business.

Water for Households

The average water use per day in a UK household is around 349 litres, with the average person using roughly 142 litres.

So, where does this water go? The biggest culprits can be found in your bathroom. Toilets, showers and sink faucets use the most water. General leaks that aren't dealt with are another big contributor.

How to save water

If you want to save money and precious litres, here are some things you can try:

• Deal with a dripping tap as soon as possible.
• A tap running unnecessarily is a big no-no (like while brushing your teeth).
• Opt for a watering can over a hose pipe.
• Install a power shower if possible.

Water for Businesses

Commercial water use averages around 50 litres per employee per day. Naturally, the larger your business, the higher your water usage will be. However, even in a business setting, bathrooms are the biggest water drainers.

How to save water

To reduce how much water you're using, here are some suggestions:

• Deal with leaks and dripping taps promptly.
• Consider installing water-efficient fixtures.
• Monitor your water usage closely.
• Educate your employees on how they can do their part.

Water for Industrial Sites

The industrial sector is one of the biggest water users in the UK. In fact, it makes up about 5% of the country's total water usage, equating to around 700 million litres per day.

How to save water

While usage will vary depending on the industry, here are some general ways you can start to save:

• Make equipment maintenance a top priority.
• Recycle and reuse water where possible - a rainwater storage tank can help.
• Invest in water-saving technology.
• Monitor and benchmark your water usage.

Handy Insights on Water Usage

Along with understanding water consumption within the average household or business, there are a few tools you can use to spur your water-saving efforts.

A water use calculator such as the one from CCW can help you better understand your water bill and save money.

However, if you want to get really specific, you can find out the average water usage in the UK per m3 per year based on your area. Simply enter your postal code, and you'll get the information you need to decide whether it's time to switch suppliers.

Final Thoughts

Water is one resource we shouldn't take for granted. Unfortunately, a large percentage of UK homes and businesses are using more water than ever before.

Taking simple steps, such as fixing leaks, installing efficient fixtures and reusing water where possible, can make a big difference. So, ask yourself: Are you wasting water or doing your part to save it?