Water

In 2006 the South East saw the driest period since 1933, making water more scarce and requiring the needs for hosepipe bans. Similar droughts are more likely due to climate change, so it makes sense to save water. With many homes now water metered and with this set to increase, you can save money by saving water too.

Heating water is the most energy intensive thing you are likely to do in your home, so following tips to reduce hot water usage and use less energy will save money and lower your carbon dioxide emissions.

Information on hosepipe bans and water restrictions

Hosepipe ban lifted 6th of February 2007 the ban had been in place since June 2005.

Although the restriction has now been lifted, South East Water appeals to customers to continue to be aware of how much water they use.

For further information visit South East Water's website or Southern Water

For information about the effects of drought on the environment, water supplies and agriculture, and the current situation visit the Environment Agency website.

See below for ways you can reduce your water use.

Examples of what Wealden is doing

Using Systemisers on cisterns
This controls the flushing of urinals and limits the amount of water going in, reducing water usage.
Percussion taps used in council buildings
In a number of places percussion taps are used that automatically shut off water, this helps to reduce water usage and the cost and energy of heating water. In some cases spray heads are used to further economise on water use.

What you can do

Turn taps off where possible
Don’t leave taps running even while brushing teeth as water use soon adds up.
Modify your cistern
Use a ‘hippo’ or a brick to reduce the amount of water used by the toilet cistern. Email flushsavers or call 0800 027 6152 for a free information pack along with a device to reduce the volume of water used every time you flush your toilet.
Shower rather than taking baths
Showering uses less water than baths, and an aerating shower head can cut water use further.
Insulate your hot water tank
An insulating jacket for your hot water tank will help reduce energy use and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
Reduce water use and loss in your garden
Mulch around plants with leaves, bark or gravel. Where possible choose plants that a drought resistant to save watering during hotter summers.
Use ‘grey’ water from washing up to water plants
It will not harm plants.
Use a water butt and use it
Saving rainwater in a water butt allows water that would normally go to drains to be used for watering plans, and plants prefer rainwater to tap water. During the wetter months water from water butts can also be used for washing cars and cleaning wellys!
Install a water diverter
This can channel water from your bath into a water butt for use in the garden, if you do this make sure you are using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Consider a rain water harvesting system
If building a house or having major work done it may be worth adding a rain water harvesting system to your property. While it is unlikely to provide enough water for all domestic use it can provide water for washing and flushing toilets and reduce water bills in the long term. See the UK Rainwater Harvesting Association