Changing our habits can be hard, but we will need to transform our water-using habits if we’re going to avoid running out of water in the next few years. Taking up the challenge to save 2,021 litres over January 2021 is a great first step!
Climate change, population growth and changes in lifestyle have led to growing pressure being put on our water supplies, right across the UK. If we don’t reverse course soon, our rivers and even our taps might soon run dry. Luckily, there are simple steps that each of us can take to help ensure that there’s enough water to go around - protecting our families, our businesses, our communities, our UK wildlife, and our environment.
During 2020 Waterwise has campaigned to draw attention to the value of water in all of our lives. ‘Water Saving Week’, ‘Water’s Worth Saving’ - our collaborative campaign with Water UK - and ‘Water Makes it Possible’ have highlighted the reasons why it’s so important to save water, as well as all the ways in which water is precious and indispensable to us.
Now is the time for turning that into action. Following an inspired idea to run a water-saving pledge, brought to us by our friends at Northumbrian Water, we have developed ‘Pledge 2021’, which will kick off the new year by launching on the 4th January and running until the 31st.
Anyone who visits our dedicated webpage will be able to sign up to take part in the month-long water saving challenge, and transform their knowledge and habits around water in the process. Each day of the campaign they’ll receive a short email with a specific but easy-to-implement action, like timing a shower, having a meat-free day, or ordering a free water-saving gadget from their water company. We’re also encouraging people to share their reasons for taking the pledge with the hashtag #ISaveWaterBecause. There are so many reasons to save water, and sharing our own personal motivations can inspire others to take action too. We’ll be keeping track of the litres of water saved by the campaign’s pledgers on our webpage too!
Waterwise’s Managing Director, Nicci Russell, said:
‘Unless we waste less, there’s a big risk that many of us across the UK will struggle to get access to water within our lifetimes. The good news is that small changes to our everyday habits now can lead to big savings that can help us to avoid a water crisis. Let’s do this, to protect our loved ones, our communities and our environment. I’ll be taking the pledge because we can’t live without water, and I’m worried it will be the least wealthy of us who will suffer if it starts running out.’
Northumbrian Water’s CEO Heidi Mottram said:
“The Pledge 2021 challenge is a fantastic initiative, and we are very excited to have been a part of it from the early development stages. Our teams worked closely with Waterwise to develop a hard measure in order to change people’s everyday behaviours, and I believe that this challenge is a great way for individuals to become more mindful and well-informed on water waste. The smallest changes can make the biggest difference, and by raising awareness of this, we can protect and future-proof our precious water resources. I will certainly be taking the pledge, and we will also be encouraging all of our people to sign up to this challenge - and I’m sure there will be some friendly competition along the way.”
Waterwise
Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit campaigning organisation, and the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK. Our vision is that water will be used wisely, every day, everywhere. We receive funding from Waterwise Supporters and Affiliates across the UK water sector and beyond, and from sponsorship, research and delivery projects.
Get involved
Waterwise is happy to take press enquiries or interviews. Please contact Stephanie.Hurry@waterwise.org.uk or 07955 824737. You can also follow @Waterwise on Twitter, @WaterwiseUK on Facebook, and @WaterwiseUK on Instagram. Use #pledge2021 and #ISaveWaterBecause to join in the conversation. For more information please go to the Pledge 2021 website.