Tag: water efficiency

It’s World Toilet Day!

Do you have a leaky loo? Check now to save money and protect the environment

To celebrate World Toilet Day (19 November), WaterSafe and Waterwise are sharing a new, short video showing how to check for leaking toilets:

Up to 1 in 20 toilets leak, with some losing up to 400 litres of water a day – the same amount a three-person household uses daily.

This waste impacts household water bills and contributes to unnecessary carbon emissions from treating and delivering water.

The video, released by WaterSafe, the national register of approved plumbers, provides a straightforward method to check for leaks:

  • Place a square of toilet paper at the back of the toilet bowl
  • Leave it overnight
  • If it’s wet or torn by morning, the toilet is leaking and needs fixing.

Residents are urged to contact a WaterSafe-approved plumber to repair any leaks.

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, emphasises the importance of addressing this issue: “Leaky toilets are a hidden problem in many homes, but they can be easily fixed.

“By taking simple steps to check for leaks, homeowners can save money and help protect our precious water resources. We’re excited to share this video and encourage everyone to act.”

Chloe McFarland, Campaigns Manager at Waterwise said: “At Waterwise, we’re passionate about the small actions that can have a big impact when it comes to saving water.

“A leaky toilet can go unnoticed, but it is so easy to check for – and easy to fix! Catching leaks early can help you avoid unexpected costs and reduce water waste.”

Watch the video on WaterSafe’s YouTube channel or visit www.watersafe.org.uk to find out more or find a local approved plumber.

WaterSafe is a free online search facility funded by the water industry to help customers find competent and qualified plumbers, water supply pipe installers and other water services specialists in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Waterwise is a leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.

Action plan on water efficiency out for consultation

New labelling to protect water supplies and cut energy bills

Taps, showers, dishwashers and washing machines could all have new water efficiency labels, in a move which will help save 1,200 million litres of water a day – the equivalent of 480 Olympic swimming pools across the UK.

The plans, subject to a 12-week consultation, will encourage the purchase of more water-efficient products and help customers manage their water and energy bills.

The proposals aim to introduce a separate water label from the existing energy label for display on toilets, urinals, kitchen sink taps, bathroom basin taps, non-electric shower outlet devices and shower assembly solutions, dishwashers, washing machines and combination washer/dryers.

The consultation is being run jointly by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Scottish Government and other devolved governments.

Environment Minister Mairi McAllan said: “Climate change is affecting Scotland’s water resources and we must take action to ensure we manage them efficiently. The prolonged dry weather in recent months demonstrated just how precious – and vulnerable – our natural water resources are to a changing climate.

“Simply by improving labelling, we can make it easier for people to check how water efficient their appliances are, and help them choose the efficient and climate-friendly option where they are able.”

Hot water use is the second largest use of energy in a home after space heating. Installing a water-efficient showerhead could save an average household (2.3 occupants) 3,762 litres of water, and £17.44 off their combined utility bills per year. A family of four could save 6,468 litres and about £30 off their utility bill each year. 

In 2021 alone, energy efficiency labelling and minimum performance standards led to energy bill savings of £75 for the average dual-fuel household.

The Scottish Government has worked with Defra and other devolved governments to develop these proposals. Scotland has the highest per capita consumption of water in the UK and as the climate crisis takes hold needs to address this with urgency.

Household water bills in Scotland are currently set by reference to Council Tax Band.  Whilst using less water is not reflected immediately in bills, by using less water Scottish Water’s costs associated with sourcing, treating and distributing drinking water will reduce.  These savings will be taken into account when charge levels are set.

Joint consultation on Water Efficiency Labelling