Water Saving Tips

In the Bathroom.

  • Take showers in preference to a bath (a bath use an average of 80 litres of water whereas the average shower uses only 30 litres)

  • Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, use just enough water to wet your toothbrush and rinse your mouth - this alone could save up to 10 litres of water each time!

  • Repair leaking taps - a constant drip can waste over a 1,000 litres a month!

  • When replacing fixtures choose water conserving models - the price is about the same

  • Replace old toilets with new low-flush models. Older models can use up to 20 litres per flush in comparison to the 6 litre flush models currently on the market. Alternatively place a brick in the tank to reduce the volume of water used - take care not to interfere with the flushing mechanism if using this method.

  • Replace the washer on the ball cock in you cistern and storage tank if you notice an overflow of water

In the Kitchen.

  • Don't leave the tap running when washing vegetables, use a bowl - and rather than throwing this water out use it to water the plants!

  • Keep tap washers in good shape or use washer-less taps

  • Store a jug/bottle of drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap waiting for cool water to flow.

  • Choose water and energy efficient appliances (i.e. dishwashers, washing machines, etc)

  • Before turning on your washing machine or dishwasher make sure they are full to capacity - or where possible adjust the water level to suit the load you are using.

  • Don't boil a full kettle when all you need is one or two cups!

In the Garden.

  • Use a barrel to collect rainwater for use around the garden and washing the car (make the barrel safe by covering with suitable wire mesh to avoid accidents).

  • Lawn sprinklers are discouraged and should not be left on overnight. Watering gardens and hanging baskets with a hand-held watering can uses much less water than a hose.

On the Farm.

  • Repair leaks to drinking troughs

  • Protect water supplies by ensuring that silage pits are situated well away from wells, rivers. Seal all unused wells and take care when spreading slurry.

For more useful water saving tips visit www.taptips.ie