Guide to Water Preservation

While the record-breaking, tropical temperatures across the UK bring some welcome sun, they also present a lot of dangers. The first hosepipe bans of the year are starting to come into effect as a result of sparse rainfall and while only some parts of the country are currently affected, they’re likely to be rolled out to other counties.

What Can you do to Preserve Water?
To reduce your usage, the best thing you can do is be mindful when using water. This applies to both the home and work environment.

Everyday Ways to Save
At home, pay particular attention to your water usage. Try to reduce clothes washing where possible and ensure you wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine or dishwasher. It can also help to shower rather than bath, as it uses around half the amount of water – a considerable saving.

Even little things like leaving a tap running or dripping can waste litres of water, so make sure to turn off the taps when brushing your teeth and remember to check for drips.

Avoid running taps aimlessly; for example, wash vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under the tap. Then, do your best to reuse water where possible. Why not use what’s left in the bowl to water your plants?

If you’re planning on undertaking a job such as jet washing, pause to consider whether it is really essential or if there could be an alternative method which could help to save water over this particularly dry summer.

Battling Heat Outdoors
If you work outside, be mindful of the hot weather. Never leave fuel canisters or cans in direct sunlight – make sure they’re properly and safely stored inside or in the shade.

Another danger of the hot weather is the ease of accidental fires. Make sure you don’t leave glass or mirrored objects in direct sunlight to avoid catastrophic and avoidable accidents. If you have to smoke, find a designated area and always be sure that cigarettes are extinguished properly.

Going Forward
It looks like the heat is here to stay, so it’s important to make sure that we do our part as individuals to tackle the water problem. Remember, these small considerations can go a long way.