Save water at home and in the garden

After a hot, dry summer and little rain, how can we make our homes and gardens more drought resilient?

Start by using water efficiently and checking taps, toilets, showers, baths, appliances and boiler pipework for leaks. A persistent drip can waste between 5,000 and 15,000 litres a year, depending on its speed.

Use a washing-up bowl rather than filling the sink, avoid washing vegetables under a running tap and take shorter showers. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 6 to 12 litres per session, potentially adding up to around 4,380 litres per person each year.

Older toilets can use up to 13 litres per flush. Reducing unnecessary flushing or fitting a smaller cistern can help save water. Seek advice from your water supplier before modifying a cistern or reusing wastewater from baths and sinks.

Ask your water supplier about free or discounted water butts and other water-saving devices, or visit savewatersavemoney.co.uk. Collecting rainwater from your roof and storing water for plants can help your garden cope with dry weather. A garden pond can also support wildlife.