Happy New Year! With January in full swing, it’s the perfect time to embrace some fresh habits and set yourself up for success. This year, why not add saving water to your list of resolutions? Not only will it help the environment, but it could also save you money. Plus, it’s easier than you might think – even in the chilly winter months.
Here are some simple water-saving tips to kick off 2025 the right way:
- Fix those leaks before they freeze
Leaky taps and pipes aren’t just a waste of water; in winter, they can freeze and cause bigger problems. Take a few minutes to check your home for drips, and get them fixed. If you’re not sure where to start, focus on taps and outdoor hoses – they’re often the culprits. You can get your leaks fixed for FREE with Affinity Water’s Leak Visit service!
- Make your shower shorter
When it’s cold, a long, hot shower can be tempting. But cutting your shower by just two minutes saves lots of water! Try setting a timer or listening to a short song to keep track.
- Insulate your pipes
Keeping your pipes warm helps prevent freezing and bursting, which can lead to wasted water (and costly repairs). Pipe insulation is easy to install and available at most DIY stores.
- Use a bowl for washing up
When washing dishes by hand, fill a bowl instead of letting the water run. This simple swap can save litres of water with every wash.
- Collect water where you can
Have you ever waited for the hot water to reach your taps? Instead of letting cold water go to waste, collect it in a jug or bucket. You can use it to water plants, for cleaning or even fill up your kettle.
- Keep your washing machine full
Washing machines use a lot of water, so make every load count. Wait until you have a full load before running a cycle, and if your machine has an eco setting, use it!
- Defrost food in the fridge
It might not seem obvious, but running water over frozen food to defrost it wastes litres of water. Instead, pop your food in the fridge the night before you need it – it’s more efficient and keeps your water bill down.
- Think before you flush
Toilets account for a lot of household water use. If you have a dual-flush system, use the smaller button whenever you can. If not, consider adding a cistern bag to reduce the amount of water used per flush. You can get a FREE cistern bag and other water-saving devices when taking Affinity Water’s My WaterFootprint quiz!
Make it a Resolution!
The best way to stick to these tips is to turn them into a habit. Why not make a family challenge out of it? Track how much water you’re saving each week and set a reward for hitting your goals. It’s a win-win for your wallet and the planet. Register for Affinity Water’s Save our Streams by taking the My WaterFootprint quiz and get extra water-saving tips and tricks!
By adopting these water-saving habits, you’re not just helping the environment – you’re preparing for a more sustainable future. And what better way to start the new year than with a resolution you can be proud of?
Let’s make 2025 the year we all save water, even in the depths of winter. You’ve got this!