Environment Corner Series, News

Our water system is overstretched and we are facing shortages by 2050

Environment Corner September 2019

For this month we are considering use of water. Our water system is overstretched and we are facing shortages by 2050 unless we save water fast – according to the UK Environment Agency.

There are simple measures we can take to contribute to saving water.

• Save 6 litres of water a minute by turning off your tap while you brush your teeth.
• Save water, money and energy by only boiling as many cups of water as you need.
• Consider if you could spend less time in the shower. Every minute in a power shower uses up to 17 litres of water.
• Washing a full machine load of clothes uses less water and energy than 2 half-loads.
• Water outdoor plants in the early morning or at the end of the day to stop water immediately evaporating in sunlight and heat.
• If you use a dishwasher, fill it up completely each time you run it and you’ll use less water than you would doing the dishes by hand.

The Friends of the Earth website is a useful source of further information for water saving ideas. www.friendsoftheearth.uk