Make every drop count this summer with Water’s Worth Saving

• Water UK and Waterwise launch their 2021 Water’s Worth Saving campaign
• Easy top-tips show how everyone can take important water-saving measures at home
• Green-fingered, DIY enthusiasts, families and Generation Z can all make a big difference

Everyone is being encouraged to make every drop count this summer as Water UK joins forces with water efficiency experts, Waterwise, to launch their 2021 Water’s Worth Saving campaign.

Water’s Worth Saving aims to drive change in how we use water - we need to act fast and do more, to save more. This year’s campaign is targeting the green-fingered, DIY enthusiasts, families, and Generation Z, to those working from home and many others.

Running from May until September, Water’s Worth Saving will show why saving water matters, as well as offering practical everyday water-saving advice, to change habits of a lifetime. Everyone can start making a difference this bank holiday by following some simple hints and tips to save water, such as:

• Running taps are wasteful- Don’t let taps run when brushing your teeth - turn them off

• Take shorter showers- Knocking a minute or two off to take shorter 4-minute showers

• Don’t wash your car- Save yourself a chore and proudly let your car stay dirty

• Let nature water your grass- Allow lawns go brown – it will soon go green again when it rains

• Save paddling pool water- Top-up and reuse paddling pool water for your plants and grass

• Put down the garden hose - Use watering cans for lawns, plants and flower beds, instead of garden hoses

Last year water companies saw a dramatic increase in household water usage - in some cases 25% above normal - as more people stayed at home during the pandemic. This summer a surge in ‘staycations’ is expected as restrictions ease, and with many people continuing to work from home, water usage is again likely to be higher than normal - saving water has never been more important.

Christine McGourty, Water UK Chief Executive, said:

“Clean, fresh water is a precious resource, so making small changes to our everyday routines at home, on holiday or in the garden can make a big difference to our water supplies.

“Our simple hints and tips, such as shorter showers, ensuring dishwashers are full, and using watering cans instead of a garden hose, are easy things we can all do to help conserve water and protect the environment.

“We’re urging everyone to make every drop count because water is worth saving today, tomorrow and for the future.”

Sir James Bevan, Environment Agency Chief Executive, said:

“Hotter and drier summers, alongside population growth, mean that we run the very real risk of water shortages by 2050 unless we all do more. That must be a joint effort from government, regulators and businesses, but every individual can also make a difference.

“The people in England use an average of 140 litres of water a day, higher than many other countries. We can and must do more to use water more efficiently and achieve the 110 litres per day agreed in our national framework for water resources last year.

“Changing some of our daily habits – whether it’s turning off taps, getting a water butt for the garden, or only using your washing machine when it’s full – will play a critical part in protecting our water resources for future generations.”

Nicci Russell, Waterwise Managing Director, said:

“Last summer was the driest ever in many parts of the UK, with the highest water use. It's so important that we make the water we do have go round at home and in the garden if we're lucky enough to have one - and as the UK opens up again, on holiday, at friends' houses, at the gym, at school, at work.

“You name it, we use water there, and water's worth saving, I'm pledging to save water in my garden this summer - I won't be washing my car or using a hosepipe, and if my grass goes brown, I can be proud that I'm saving water. Water's worth saving not only for rivers, lakes, streams and wildlife, but also for people, to make sure we all have what we need.”

Dr Mike Keil, Consumer Council for Water (CCW) Director of Policy, Research and Campaigns, said:

“The immense challenges we’ve all faced during the Covid-19 pandemic have reminded us just how much our health and wellbeing depends on water - but its future also depends on us making every drop count and not ever taking it for granted.

“Even the smallest change can make a big difference to the world around us if we all play our part – whether that’s turning off the tap while we brush our teeth or taking a shorter shower.”

David Black, Ofwat Chief Executive said:

“As we face hotter, drier summers, we all have a part to play to protect this most precious resource and welcome support that gives practical help and ideas to people to save water and money.

“By working together, we can improve the natural environment, protect our precious ecosystem and make sure there is enough water for future generations.”

The Water’s Worth Saving dedicated campaign website - watersworthsaving.org.uk - contains a whole host of great information for people to learn more about top-tips to save water around the house, why making small changes can make a big difference to the environment as well as information from water companies across the United Kingdom.