Water

FACT Only 1% of the earth's water can be used as drinking water. Take care of it.
FACT Insulating your water heater saves 1000 lbs of CO2 per year
FACT To flush a toilet we use 2 - 7 gallons each time
FACT Humans on average use about 50 gallons of water per day
FACT One dripping tap can waste 75 litres of water per day. This is equivalent to over 6000 gallons a year from one tap.
FACT A person must drink 2 litres of water daily to live healthily.
FACT An automatic dishwasher uses 2 - 7 gallons of water each time.
FACT Most of the world's people must walk for at least 3 hours to fetch water each day.

Do you have a water meter?

You may be better off by having your water usage metered. 

Are you sure you are using the right size of meter?

Scottish Water (tel: 0845 6018855) can advise you on this.

Are you sure you do not have an undetected leak? 

Leaks in non visible pipes could cost you money.  Monitor you water usage. 

Do you have processes that use large amounts of water?

Consider installing sub meters.  This will help you target reductions to particular processes.

Are you sure you are not being charged for unauthorised water use out of hours?

Monitor your out of hours use.

Stop leaks and spills

Dripping taps and leaking pipes can cost you a lot. 

Ensure your pipes are insulated

This will protect against frost damage.

Eliminate unnecessary water usage

• Do you have to do the job that way?
• Could water be used more effectively?
• Are you switching off hoses when you go for your tea break?
• Does your hose have a flow control unit?
• Can you use buckets instead of power hoses?
• Install push taps
Could the water be treated and reused elsewhere on site?

Why not investigate modern water recycling technology?

Toilet

Use a cistern volume reducer

Save-a-flush offer a standard gel envelope which displaces a litre of water per flush.  Do not use them with dual flush systems however. These have been installed in most Council premises. For advice contact Waste Services (tel: 01595 744800, email waste@shetland.gov.uk).

For urinals

Install a flush control system.  Cost is about £150 per controller.

Taps

Report dripping taps

A lot of water is wasted this way.   Report it immediately.  Washers are cheap.

Tap left running?

Push taps or self closing taps may be fitted.  These slowly close if left running.  Sensor operated ones are also possible.

Water sprays out over you when tap is switched on?

Many taps have an unnecessary high flow rate after only a quarter turn. A flow restrictor can be fitted to stop this.  It costs about £3.

Sinks

Ensure plugs are available for washing hands, dishes and food so that the tap does not have to be left running during the process.

If you have a large sink and need only a little water use a bowl.

Dishwashers

Only ever use a dishwasher when you have a full load.  Otherwise wash by hand.

Showers

Switch to low flow, high velocity showers which use less water than standard power showers.

Washing Machines

Only use with a full load

Only ever wash full loads and ensure that your machine is energy efficient.

Only purchase washing powders that are environmentally benign

Low phosphate, biologically friendly powders are better.

Wash at 30°C unless really required

Most garments do not need a higher setting.

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