Human hand holding globe and water pouring on it.

Summer has well and truly arrived this week – with temperatures reaching a scorching 35ºC and higher in some parts of the UK. As temperatures begin to climb, our water usage can go up too, and coupled with reduced rainfall during the summer this can put a big strain on our water supplies. Luckily there are lots of small things we can all do that can make a big difference to reduce our water usage. Here’s a look at some of our favourite ways to save:

In the home

With the hotter weather comes the potential for more BBQs and salads, meaning less washing up! When it is time to do the washing-up, if you have a dishwasher, remember to make sure it is fully loaded before switching on. Half loads actually use more than half the energy and water of a full load!

Same goes for washing machines: washing clothes accounts for 15 per cent of our daily water usage, so why not put on one less clothes wash a week and make the most of the warmer weather by airing your clothes instead of tumble drying – do this every week and you’ll save about 5,000 litres of water a year!

Out and about

Planning some days out this summer? Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle. It takes up to seven litres of water to make a one litre plastic water bottle, so by choosing tap water, you’re actually saving water. Even better news, with more than 20,000 refill points opens in new window across the country it’s now easier than ever to top up.

Keeping hydrated at home is important too. In the UK our tap water is some of the best in the world, and even better when it’s cold. But instead of waiting for the tap to run cold – which can waste 10 litres a day – keep a large jug of tap water in the fridge so you’ll always have a ready-chilled supply.

In the garden

Did you know getting your butt out is an all year round activity? Just one water butt holds enough rainwater to fill 25 watering cans and with the average roof collecting enough rainwater to fill around 450 water butts a year, this is the perfect way to keep your garden topped up, whatever the weather.

Will you be digging out the paddling pool during the holidays? When you’ve finished with it, rather than pouring water straight down the drain, why not reuse some of it to give your lawn or plants a drink instead?

Speaking of the garden, if you think your lawn is looking more brown than green during the warmer weather, don’t worry. Lawns can usually go without watering for around six weeks and recover quickly when it does rain.

If you’re going away for a few days, you can still make sure plants and flowers get enough to drink by making a drip feeder. They’re a great way to keep your plants watered when you not there, as they slowly drip water directly to the plant roots.

Whatever the weather, we have lots of tips and tricks to help you be more water savvy.