• Home
• > You and Your Home

Water Efficiency

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.

Using water wisely

Tip 1 - Make sure taps aren’t dripping, turn them off properly or replace the washer

A dripping tap uses at least 5,500 litres a year. In a year that's enough to fill a whole paddling pool every week for the whole summer.

Tip 2 - Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe in the garden

A hosepipe can use enough water to fill two 10 litre watering cans every minute. Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe in the garden.

Find out more about using water wisely in the garden

Install a water butt

Tip 3 - boil the kettle with only the water you need

This will save water and your kettle will boil more quickly so you'll save energy too.

Find out more about using water wisely in the kitchen

Tip 4 - Use a bucket and sponge to wash the car instead of a hosepipe

A hosepipe can use as much water in 30 minutes as a family of four uses in a day.