Affinity Water, the UK's largest clean water supplier, is participating in this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with The Water Saving Garden, highlighting the importance of water reuse and sustainable gardening innovation to drive down demand.
Over the next 20 years, there is a very real risk that some parts of the UK, including the Affinity Water region, will experience water shortages as the population grows and the climate change impact unfolds. The aim is to show how design can marry ingenious recycling and rainwater harvesting, to inspire gardeners to think about how they can save and reuse water in their own gardens. This is particularly important at a pivotal time of year when water usage reaches its peak just when less water becomes available.
The Water Saving Garden, which can be seen in the Container Gardens category at the celebrated gardening event, was created in partnership with local garden designer Sam Procter founder of Chiltern Garden Design.
Sam was inspired by the chalk streams in Affinity Water’s operating region and hopes it will serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to conserve and reuse rainwater to protect the environment.
Sam Procter said: “The garden design is “A Love Letter to the Chilterns”. I wanted the design to offer practical solutions for preserving water, even in smaller spaces, while creating a visually stunning landscape reminiscent of the iconic chalk streams of the Chilterns.”
A domestic courtyard space, it combines beautiful sustainability features including bamboo decking, and fibreglass planters made from non-depleting substances, with rainwater collection from rooftops into dedicated water butts. Excess rainwater is stored in invisible pipes within the planters, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that prioritises natural resources. In dry periods, water from washing machines, showers, and sinks can be reused to replenish the water butts, promoting water efficiency and environmental protection while reduce the use of drinking quality water.
Talking about the aims of the partnership Rebecca Froud, Director of Customer Experience of Affinity Water said:
“We are working hard every day to keep the water flowing for our customers, but we also need to find ways to inspire more considered use to reduce demand for water to the levels needed to prevent a shortfall of water in the coming years.”
“Population growth, combined with climate change means that water availability is going to become more challenging. Gardening is one of the biggest uses of water, so through our water saving behaviour change programme and this partnership with Sam, we want to inspire and help our customers and communities who are passionate about their gardens whilst finding simple solutions to save water, save money, and help protect the local environment."
To extend community engagement and reward charities and local communities, the water company has announced a competition giving charities across its operational area an opportunity to win the garden after the Chelsea Flower Show.
Affinity Water will donate a fully installed garden to a winning charity, comprising over 100 herbaceous plants, shrubs, and bulbs, along with a dedicated water feature, bamboo decking, and trees. Charities within Affinity Water's catchment regions are invited to participate by showcasing their space and explaining how the garden will benefit their communities.
Further information on The Water Saving Garden.
Information on Affinity Water's water efficiency programmes and sustainability initiatives, please visit: