Environment

Water wise guide

How water wise do you think you are? A rising population and climate change are among the factors that will put increasing pressure on local water resources in the future. It's important that we all think about how we use water, to ensure there's plenty to go round in years to come.

Complete our water wise questionnaire and see how you perform.

1. What is your approach to saving water?

I use as much as I like - surely there's enough for everyone.

I sometimes save water, but I often don't bother.

I'm careful not to waste water, but I probably could do more.

I save water wherever I can, and encourage others to do the same.

2. Does your home have leaking taps or overflows?

Yes, more than one.

I don't know, I've never checked.

Yes, but only one.

No.

3. How do you brush your teeth?

I leave the tap running throughout.

I turn off the tap when I remember.

I always turn off the tap / use a tumbler.

4. Do you mainly take baths or showers?

I use a power shower.

I have a bath.

I have a mixture of baths and showers.

I use a (non power) shower, but often leave it running for a long time.

I take a brief shower (not a power shower).

5. How do you do your washing-up (i.e. cutlery and crockery)?

I have a non-water efficient dishwasher, which I often use to clean just a few items at a time.

I have a water-efficient dishwasher, which I often use to clean just a few items at a time.

I sometimes use a bowl, and sometimes fill my dishwasher.

I generally use a bowl.

I use a water-efficient dishwasher, which I only run when it is full.

6. If you have a washing machine, how do you use it?

I have a non-water efficient model, which I run to wash just a few items of clothing.

I have a water-efficient model, which I run to wash just a few items of clothing.

I have a non-water efficient model, which I only run when it is full.

I have a water-efficient model, which I only run when it is full.

7. How water-efficient is your toilet cistern?

I don't have a slimline / dual flush toilet or a water saving device.

I have fitted a free water saving device, but not in every toilet.

I have fitted a free water saving device wherever I can.

All my toilets are slimline / dual flush.

8. Do you try to collect and recycle water for your garden?

No, I use tap water.

I don't have a garden.

No, but I sometimes recycle washing-up or bath water in the garden.

I can't install a water butt, but I try to save water in other ways (e.g. by growing drought-tolerant plants).

Yes, I have a water butt.

Yes, I always recycle washing-up or bath water.

I have a water butt and try to save water in other ways too (e.g. by installing more than one butt and / or using a mulch on the soil).

9. How do you water your garden?

With a hose or sprinkler.

I don't have a garden.

I sometimes use a hose or sprinkler, sometimes a watering can.

I always use a watering can.

I always use a watering can,and take other steps to ensure I minimise water usage (e.g. by watering at the base of plants and / or early or late in the day, to minimise evaporation).

10. How do you wash your car?

With a hose, or in a car wash.

I don't have a car.

With a mixture of hose and bucket.

With a bucket and sponge.

I use water from my water butt to wash my car.

I don't wash my car, and instead rely on rainfall to clean it.

Water saving house

Useful advice on saving water throughout your home and garden

Launch house

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Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and sewerage company, serving 13 million customers
across London and the Thames Valley.