Water saving tips for households

Here are some of the small changes you could make:

Saving water in the bathroom

• Take a shower and reduce the number of baths you have
• Put the plug in the basin when you wash and use the collected water instead
• Don't leave the tap running when brushing your teeth
• Always make sure taps are turned off fully
• Consider fitting a water efficient shower head, more information available by completing our Get Water Fit calculator
• Fix any leaking taps to avoid wasted water
• If you are installing a new bathroom, always choose water efficient products

Saving water in the kitchen

• Use a washing up bowl when washing up
• Fix any leaking taps
• Wait until you have a full load before doing your washing
• Only fill the kettle with the water you need
• If you are purchasing a new appliance which uses water, be sure to check how water efficient it is
• Find out more information by completing our Get Water Fit calculator

Saving water in the garden

• Use a watering can or handheld hose pipe instead of a garden sprinkler
• Fit a hose trigger gun when using a hose, available by completing our Get Water Fit calculator
• A water butt is a great way to collect rainwater for use in the garden – available from our Product store
• Add water retention crystals to pots, tubs and hanging baskets to help keep compost moist
• Don't cut lawns too short and save the clippings to use as mulch to improve soil health

Reusing water

There are other ways to use water in a household or business, that doesn’t come from our drinking water supply, and that’s using reclaimed water.

Reclaimed water has been previously used in some way, but is stored and then reused. This could include rainwater harvesting collected from roofs, or systems which reuse wash water from the bathroom or kitchen (grey water treatment). Depending on how much the reclaimed water is treated, it could be used for things like watering the garden, through to toilet flushing, use in washing machines, car washing, irrigation etc.

In the UK, reclaimed water systems are becoming more common. It’s a form of recycling and can be useful in reducing the water we need to supply you which could save you money, and also look after the environment. However, mixing of reclaimed water with the drinking water supply, could affect the water quality and could be harmful to health. The regulations allow us to check how such systems are installed.

If you are thinking about getting a reclaimed water system you should also think about:

• Compliance with the regulations.
• Is it cost effective?
• How much water will you need, and what do you want to use it for?
• Do you have enough room for the installation, and will it need any protection (e.g. from frost, agriculture or vermin)?
• Maintenance requirements.

More detailed information can be found at:

• The British Standard (BS8515:2009– Rainwater Harvesting Systems Code of Practice, and BS8525-1:2010 – Greywater systems code of practice).
• Water Regs UK website publications (https://www.waterregsuk.co.uk/guidance/publications/).

Water saving products

In partnership with Save Water Save Money, we've put together a selection of high quality water products to help you save water and money.

Through the online Save Water Save Money store, you can order a range of products for your kitchen, bathroom, and garden to help save water and reduce your bills.

If you still have questions regarding any product, please email waterdemandwales@dwrcymru.com