There are so many easy ways to be more eco-friendly and one way is by making sure we use our water wisely and not waste it. Just like there are some simple ways to help us save money on our energy bills, there are also things we can do to help us save water and save money, including getting our hands on free water saving devices.
Global warming has seen temperatures soar to highs of 42 degrees and experts are warning we need to rethink how we use our water. The National Drought Group even declared eight areas in England in a drought and have warned this could continue into next year.
From water-efficient shower heads to a buffalo cistern bag for your toilet, there are lots of different ways you can start saving water in your home now. We round up the free water saving devices you can get your hands on, as well as some simple ways in which you can save water in your home.
Free water saving devices
UK residents are able to get free water saving devices via their local water companies. Save Water Save Money is responsible for the distribution of this stock. To check out what free water saving devices are currently available in your area, simply visit the website, pop in your postcode and it will show a selection of products available.
1. Water-efficient shower head
Did you know the average shower will use between 10 to 15 litres of water per minute? However, a water-efficient shower head only uses eight, which could help you save you around 7,000 litres of water per year.
2. Use a shower timer
It’s recommended to keep your showering time to around four minutes. If you struggle to gauge how long you’ve been in the shower then a sand timer could come in handy, as you’ll physically be able to see roughly how much time you have left. Otherwise, set a timer on your phone and make sure the volume is turned up high.
3. Buffaloo cistern bag
It takes a lot of water to flush our toilets, but a Buffaloo cistern bag can reduce this. It’s a plastic bag you pop inside your cistern, preventing it from being able to become fully filled, and allowing your toilet to use less water each time you flush it.
4. Fit a tap aerator
This little gadget that you fit to your tap is ideal for saving water in your kitchen and bathroom. It works by mixing air with water, reducing the amount of water that comes out of your tap. Some could see you save up to £36 per year.
5. Leaky loo detection strips
If your toilet leaks you could be wasting around 200 to 400 litres of water a day, but a leaky loo can be hard to spot. A loo detections trip is placed at the back on the inside of your toilet and helps you to see when water is leaking from your cistern.
Water saving tips
As well as free water saving devices, there are also simple changes you can make every day to help you save water.
• Get a water butt: If you’re a keen gardener then an eco-friendly way to water your garden is by purchasing a water butt. It will help save rain water from your roof, so you don't need to turn to the tap when it comes to watering your garden.
• Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth: It's one of the easiest ways to lose (and save) water. According to the Water Services Regulation Authority leaving your tap running can use up to nine litres of water per minute.
• Avoid using your washing machine or dishwasher until full: Wait until you've got a full load to use these. A washing machine uses up to seven litres of water per wash, while a dishwasher can use between 10 to 15 litres of water per cycle.
• Shower instead of bath: A five-minute shower will use around 40 litres of water, which is half the volume of a bath.
• Use a watering can: While a hosepipe or sprinkler may be quicker, they can use between 500 to 1,000 litres of water if left running.