• Water UK encourages citizens to follow an easy guide to using water wisely approved by the Water Saving Group
LONDON, Jan. 09, 2008 -- For some years the UK's biggest retailer has famously, and successfully, promoted its service with the tagline "Every little helps." Now the official Water Saving Group (WSG) is using the same idea (if not tagline) in promoting a list of easy things we can all do to help the water environment and save money.
Pamela Taylor, Water UK Chief Executive and WSG member, said: "This is an exciting step forward. For the first time all the main water stakeholders have put their names to a common list of water-saving ideas.
"The whole sector promoting the same ways of reducing waste should give a real boost to waterwise lifestyles. Becoming a more water-efficient society depends on millions doing a little, not a few doing a lot."
The List
Here are the top ten things we can all do at no or low cost:
• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave, wash your hands or wash up. This can save up to 6 liters of water per minute
• Fix dripping taps. A dripping tap can waste up to 15 liters of water a day, or almost 5,500 liters per year. Replace worn washers for a quick and cheap way of saving water.
• Wait until you have a full load before switching dishwasher and washing machines on.
• Use the minimum amount of water required when you boil water in saucepans and kettles; that way you'll save energy as well as water.
• Reduce the water used to flush your toilet by fitting a 'hippo' or fitting a dual flush toilet. When replacing your toilet, look out for low flush or dual flush models.
• Wash vegetables and fruit in a bowl rather than under a running tap. The water collected might even be used for watering pot plants.
• Lag water pipes and external taps to prevent bursts in cold weather.
• Collect rainwater in water-butts and use a watering can instead of a hose. If you need to use a hosepipe, fit a trigger nozzle to control the flow.
• Wash your car using a bucket and sponge, rinsing off the suds with a watering can. Just 30 minutes with a hosepipe will use more water than the average family uses in a day.
• Change how we use our water in more fundamental ways, such as taking short showers instead of baths, and using drought-resistant plants in our gardens.
Approved by the Water Saving Group, 2007
The members of the WSG, which is chaired by Environment Minister Phil Woolas, are Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Communities and Local Government, Ofwat, Environment Agency, Consumer Council for Water, Waterwise, Water UK.
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