While you’re spending more time at home, your kitchen and bathroom are probably being used more than normal. That means you’re using more water.

While our Southern Water key workers are working 24/7 to keep your taps and toilets flowing, you can help by using less at home – and you could save money on your water and energy bills too.

Remember, if you’re struggling to pay your bills during these uncertain times, we’re here to help – please contact us as soon as possible.

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Here are 12 ways to save water during lockdown:

  1. Make the perfect brew – Whether you’re relaxing with a cuppa or kick-starting your day with coffee, only boil what you need. You’ll save water, energy and time.
  2. Lighten your load – One less load of washing a week could save you £7 a year – a great excuse to leave the laundry alone till you have a full load.
  3. Work smarter, not harder – If you’re wearing something smart for online meetings, you don’t need to wash it after every wear. Just hang it up so you can wear it again.
  4. Sweat it out – Planning to exercise? Save the shower till after your workout. Remember, keep it to four minutes and you could save a tenner on your yearly bill.
  5. If it’s yellow, let it mellow – By not flushing for a number one, you could save 12 litres daily – that’s 36 cups of tea a day and about £15 a year.
  6. Push the button – If you’ve got a dual flush loo, remember the small button is for number ones. For number twos, go large.
  7. Is your loo costing £500 a year? – A leaky loo can waste up to a litre of water a minute. While you’re home, now’s the time to check your loo for a leak – visit our site to learn how.
  8. Treat your plants – Your leafy friends love leftover water from washing-up, cooking or the pet’s bowl.
  9. Get your butt out – Collect rainwater in a water butt to water your garden. It’s rich in nutrients, so your plants will love it.
  10. Dirty cars are cool – If you really do need to wash it, grab a bucket and sponge or use a trigger gun to save the equivalent of 50 cups of tea a minute compared with a hose.
  11. Paddle responsibly – Using the pool to keep cool? Give it a little top-up each day instead of refilling it every time.
  12. A handy hint – We all need to keep washing our hands. Turn off the tap while you lather up to the tune of Happy Birthday. Switch it on again for a final rinse.

With more people at home, coupled with a hot spell, using water wisely will help us keep up with demand. While we’re all more money-minded, these small changes could help reduce your bills.

For more tips on how to save water visit:southernwater.co.uk/save-water.

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