Water watch: five simple ways to conserve water during the heatwave - and beyond

Britain has been experiencing the longest heatwave in recent memory, with temperatures rising once again across the South East.

Water authorities across the country are issuing warnings about water shortages this summer.

So what can you do to save water in your daily routine?

WE CAN ALL DO OUR BIT
On average each person in the UK uses around 142 litres of water every day, with each individual having an estimated 4.4 showers and 1.3 baths each week.

But, if everyone in the country switched to a three-minute shower, there would be enough water saved to supply a staggering one million homes every day.

FIVE WAYS TO SAVE WATER
Clotilde Passalacqua, interior design leader at IKEA UK and Ireland, offers some tips on how to save water and to live more sustainably:

1. MULTI USE

While you are waiting for your shower to heat up, pop a bucket on the floor so that the cold water is being collected and can be used to water your plants later on.

2. PLANT GANG

Use the water from your cooking to water the plants as well.

3. KEEP IT FULL

If you have a lot of washing up to do then use the dishwasher instead of doing it by hand – if you always fill the dishwasher it uses less water than washing by hand.

4. FORGET-ME-NOT

Don’t forget to turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. A running tap can slosh over 6L of water down the drain every minute!

5. KEEP IT SIMPLE — AND QUICK

Pop a timer on when you shower to help you keep track of the time.

Also look out for water-saving shower heads or kitchen mixer taps with “cold-start” functions. Scroll through our gallery above for the best water saving tips and gadgets for your home.