Why We Should All Be Saving Water - Energy Saving Trust

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Skip to main content Blog Post 26 September 2025 Why we should all be saving water
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  1. Who is using the most water?
  2. Water use at home
  3. How to use water wisely

Water is a precious resource – but it can’t be taken for granted. Climate change, and the more extreme weather that comes with it, means that water supply is becoming more unpredictable than in years gone by.

Increased frequency of drought across Europe lines up with climate projections. Water is an international issue, but the UK’s reputation for a rainy climate distracts from how the relationship between rainfall and the water available to us really works.

Water companies capture much less rain for our use than people commonly assume, with parts of the UK already subject to water stress. A 2021 government report showed that 15 out of the 23 water companies operating in areas of England are rated as being under ‘serious’ stress.

Water is also closely linked to energy use. But most of us underestimate the energy water companies need to treat and pump water into homes – Scottish Water is the largest user of electricity in Scotland. Then there’s the energy required to produce hot water at home – we’ll come to that in a bit.

Who is using the most water?

Lifestyle and behaviour changes as well as climate change have all contributed to increasing strain on our water supply. Improved housing standards and technological developments have also led to increased bathing and washing options, which means increased water use.

Add the pressures of an increasing population into the mix and water used in the home accounts for over half of all public water supply use.

At the same time, industrial and commercial water consumption has declined, in part due to more water-efficient processes. 

Water use at home

According to Ofwat, we use around 150 litres of water a day, on average. 

The average UK water and sewage bill for homes with meters comes to £448 a year.

If you have a water meter, this can mean savings on water and energy bills. On top of that, there’s the value of not wasting such a valuable resource.

How to use water wisely

If you want to save water at home, some of the oldest advice remains some the best:

  • Take short showers instead of baths whenever possible
  • Use cold water rather than hot when it makes sense
  • Make sure washing machines and dishwashers are full before using them
  • Turn off taps while brushing your teeth or when they’re not in use.

It all adds up.

There’s no denying, though, that installing water-saving devices makes a big difference – remember the figures for dual-flush toilets, we mentioned earlier. There are a wide range of measures you can take, including:

  • Swapping your shower head for a more efficient model
  • Fitting flow regulators or aerators to taps
  • More water butts
  • Water efficient toilets
  • Reduced-capacity baths
  • Low-flow taps
  • Rain water harvesting

Of course, improved building standards should also add to water efficiency, with tightened rules on the types of fittings for new buildings. In time, moving into a new property should mean having water efficiency inbuilt as standard. Even once all the kit is in place, water-conscious behaviours will still count and  should lower your bills.

For more advice, see our blog on popular water saving tips.

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