With Scotland’s climate, you might think that there is plenty of water to go around.  But we don’t get the most rain where we need the most water.  It is not always possible to move it to where it is needed, it takes a lot of energy to do so and can have an impact on the environment. 

So just because we seem to get more than our fair share of the planet’s water in Scotland, it is important that we use it responsibility.

We encourage the sustainable use of water resources.  You don’t have to make major lifestyle changes to make a difference.  By changing small things like those listed below you can reduce the amount of water you waste:

Outside

• Use a watering can instead of a hose for your plants – it’s more accurate, placing the water where it does most good.
• Plants prefer rainwater to tap water, so the more rainwater you can store in your garden the better. Use a water butt to collect rainwater for watering your garden.
• Use a bucket instead of a hosepipe to wash your car. If you must use a hosepipe fit it with a trigger nozzle so it only runs when you need it.
• Use a brush to clean paths, patios and driveways not a hose.

In the bathroom

• Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth.  Only turn the tap on when you want to rinse, or use a glass of water for rinsing.
• If your toilet has a large or old cistern, fit with a water-saving device – they save water every time you flush.  Or you could consider a dual flush option.
• Take a shower instead  of a bath – it uses around a third of the water and save times and money.  Watch out for power showers as they us as much water as a bath!

In the kitchen

• Don’t use a running tap to wash your hands, dishes or vegetables – put the plug in or use a basin instead.  Remember to gave any vegetables a final rinse before cooking.
• Defrost food in the fridge or the microwave, not under a running tap.
• Wait until you have enough clothes for a full load before you use your washing machine.  If you must do a smaller wash use a half load cycle.
• Wait until you have enough dishes for a full load before you use your dishwasher
•  If clothes or dishes aren’t too dirty, use a quick wash setting.
  

By reducing the amount of water you waste you:

• Protect and conserve the earth’s most valuable resource
• Save energy and money – if you use less hot water you heat less water
• Prevent damage to your property due to leaks and burst pipes
• Save energy, used for treatment and pumping of water and waste water

Refer to our water efficient living leaflet for more water facts and our DIY water audit.

If you are interested in finding out more about environmental and water efficiency products for your home and garden visit the evengreener website by clicking on the link in the Associated Links section on the right of this page.