With the start of a new decade focused on future-proofing our planet, Northumbrian Water is encouraging its customers across the North East to work together and help make a difference this year…starting with saving water.
Climate change is one of the biggest pressures on the availability of the world's water supplies. Add to that a growing population, and there's never been a better time for people to look at how they can cut down on the amount of water used around the house.
Simple changes can add up to big differences that don't just help to save the planet. Saving water can also help customers save money on both water and energy bills.
Tim Wagstaff, Water Efficiency Manager at Northumbrian Water, said: "At a time when many people are looking to make changes and New Year's resolutions, saving water is a great one to add to the list.
"Protecting our planet can start with simple water saving changes at home. Not only that, but using less hot water around the home can also help you save money on your energy bills.
"It's a win win for our customers and we should all work together to help conserve this precious resource."
To help customers kick off on making their home more water efficient and keep their water and energy bills down during 2020, Northumbrian Water has rounded up ten water-saving tips:
- Turn off the taps. You can save up to six litres of water a minute by turning the tap off while you brush your teeth.
- Short flush. Around one-third of all water used in the home goes down the toilet. If you have a dual flush system, make sure you use the short flush (usually the smaller button) when possible.
- Look for leaks. Regularly check your toilet for leaks. A leaking loo can waste up to 215 litres of water a day! If you find your toilet is leaking, call Northumbrian Water on 0800 953 0130 to book a FREE toilet repair.
- Take a shower. Having a bath can use as much as 80 litres of water. Taking a shower instead can save around ten litres of water. Reduce your time in the shower by setting a timer on your phone and depending on the type of shower, you can save a further 18 litres of water!
- Wash a full load. Saving up your dirty clothes until your washing machine is full is better than doing two half loads. If you need to replace your washing machine, always try to buy one that has an A-rating for energy and water consumption.
- Use a dishwasher. Filling up a dishwasher until it's completely full each time will save more water than doing the dishes by hand, even if you're using a bowl. Similar to your washing machine, it's always best to look for A-rated appliances.
- Only use what you need. If you're cooking pasta or putting the kettle on…only filling the pan or the kettle with as much water as you need, rather than filling them right to the top, will help you to save water AND cut down on electricity bills.
- Love your butt. Around 90,000 litres of rainwater falls on the average roof in one year. Install a water butt in your garden to catch rainwater to water your plants with.
- Use a trigger hose gun. Watering your plants and borders with a hose can use a lot of water. Installing a trigger gun on the hose makes it easier to turn on and off the water supply, and control the flow.
- Stay hydrated. Water is essential to support healthy bodies and minds. Keep a jug handy in the fridge, so you don't need to run the tap every time you want a drink.
The water company has a number of free water-saving products available for customers. Visit www.nwl.co.uk/savewater to find out more and order a free water-saving kit.
Customers are also encouraged to report any leaks they see in the street. Leaks can be reported to Northumbrian Water online at www.nwlcommunityportal.co.uk or by calling the leakline on 0800 383 084.