Cam Valley Forum’s 16 top tips for saving water.

  1. Go to www.cambridge-water.co.uk/saving-water and join GetWaterFit, the interactive on-line tool that provides advice and from which you can order free water-saving products.
  2. If your water supply is not metered, apply to have a free smart meter installed.  This gives an incentive to save water and is likely to save you about £150 pa on water charges.
  3. Don’t flush every time you pee- ‘If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down!’
  4. Reduce the quantity of water used by WC cisterns.  If you have dual flush, use the lesser flush whenever appropriate.  If not, put a hippo in your cistern:  https://www.hippo-the-watersaver.co.uk/.
  5. Fit aerators to taps. These add tiny soft bubbles that reduce the flow of water by about half while maintaining the water pressure, they can be fitted to most taps and are inexpensive.  The water feels nicer and soaks better. https://www.bestproductsreviews.co.uk/tap-aerators
  6. Have brief showers instead of baths.  https://www.bestproductsreviews.co.uk/water-saving-shower-head has an excellent choice of shower heads that use much less water by aerating the water to give a better soaking shower.
  7. Don’t run the tap when brushing teeth.
  8. Only set-off the dishwasher when it is full or nearly full. 
  9. Use a bowl in the sink when washing-up manually. Then use the water for plants instead of pouring it down the drain.
  10. When buying dishwashers and washing machines select ones that are water efficient.  For example, energy star-rated dishwashers use about two thirds of the water that average dishwashers do.
  11. Install water butts with drain downpipe connectors and water plants with rainwater.
  12. When the water butts need refilling empty bathwater into them. 
  13. Take prompt action to have any leaky appliances in the house, such as dripping taps or overflowing cisterns, repaired or replaced.  Report any leaking water mains to the Cambridge Water Company on 01223 706050.
  14. Engage in consultations with schools and businesses to encourage them to reduce their water consumption.
  15. https://www.waterwise.org.uk/save-water/   is a helpful website that looks at effective ways to reduce water consumption.
  16. Assuming a hosepipe ban is not in place, please use your hosepipes sparingly.  Aim the hose at the base of plants most in need of water, and water them in early morning or evenings when water will soak into the ground rather than evaporating into the air.