What you can do

Why should I save water in a drought?

Droughts are natural events and happen when a period of low rainfall leads to a shortage of water.  We must save water because we can’t predict how long a drought will last.

Water shortages don’t just affect us: they can also seriously harm our environment. Our water comes from rivers and the ground so every drop we use has a direct effect on the environment.

We must use water efficiently to make sure that we have enough water and at the same time protect our valuable natural environment, now and for future generations.

How to use less water in a drought

Whilst we know it’s important to avoid wasting water all year, there are extra steps you can take in a drought to use less water. The key is to really think before you use water, ask yourself what it’s for and if you need to use it?  Here are some things you can do:

• Washing your car with a bucket generally uses less water than using a hose, but do you really need to wash it?  Just keep headlights, mirrors and windows clean for safety reasons.
• Don’t let water run to waste while waiting for the water to get hot - collect and use to water plants.  Similarly collect the running water in the shower before getting in.
• Avoid running the tap until the water runs cold every time you want a drink - keep a jug of water in the fridge so you always have cool drinking water.
• Let your grass grow – this provides shade for the soil and helps retain water. If your grass goes brown, it doesn’t mean it has died: it will recover when it rains.
• Why not reuse bath water for house plants or in the garden? You can collect it using a watering can, or buy a simple device to siphon bath water from the bath to the garden.
• Use water saving crystals which expand and hold the water in your soil when you water it and when it rains.

More information

• View our Save Water site for how to use water wisely every day
• Conserving water in your business - how you can save water at work in a drought and all year round