Water
Water is a very precious resource but most of us waste a lot on a daily basis.
A SHOWER, NOT A BATH
Running a bath takes about 35 gallons of water. A five-minute shower uses about 12 gallons with an “average” shower head. You can save more water by cutting your shower time: every minute saves you about two and a half gallons of water. (Water caught in a washing up bowl on the shower floor can go on the garden.) Low-flow shower heads are needed to achieve a flow rate of significantly lower than 2.5 gallons per minute. Sponge baths are not just for the sick and the elderly. You can save an incredible amount of water with a basinful of warm water, a sponge and a little shower gel or soap. It can be quicker too. You can find out more at
Leaving any tap running unnecessarily is a waste of precious water. In the kitchen one can save water by rinsing in a bowl of water, not under a constant tap. Rather than pouring water down the drain, you can think about taking it outside to water plants and shrubs.
Why not boil only as much water in the kettle as you need, and put the washing machine and dishwasher on only when they are full/ There are lots of other ideas to be had, when it comes to saving water at home: https://friendsoftheearth.uk/sustainable-living/13-best-ways-save-water
IN THE GARDEN/ON THE ALLOTMENT
Saving water in the garden or on the allotment is equally helpful. Collecting rainwater in a water butt and using a watering can rather than a hose saves a lot.
Watering in the morning rather than the evening allows the plants to draw on the water all day. Not watering your lawn can save a huge amount.
Choosing drought resistant plants and generally giving a bit less water to plants (which will adapt) can make a difference too.
Other ideas can be found at:
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardening-for-the-environment/water
RIVER MISBOURNE
Chalk streams are rare and we value ours very much. There are a number of groups that are concerned with looking after the River Misbourne, who provide information and are active (often with volunteers) in protecting the river. The Chiltern Society and the Chiltern Conservation Board both offer more information online:
https://www.chilternsaonb.org/projects/chalk-streams-project.html
- Our Environment
- Buildings (Homes and Energy)
- Carbon footprint and Climate
- Consumers and Sustainability
- Food and Farming
- Gardens and Green Spaces
- Recycling and Repairs
- Transport including flying
- Water
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ContactsRecent News
Saving Water
Using less water day-to-day will not only save you money and divert less water from our rivers, bays, and estuaries, which helps keep the environment healthy, but can also reduce water and wastewater treatment costs and the amount of energy used to treat, pump, and heat water. Here are some top tips to consider for […]
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Turning grey to green (and saving water)
We can take a variety of steps to re-use water, in the absence of much needed rain. Washing up water and other “grey” water can be poured onto outdoor plants instead of down the sink. Before you get into the shower, and while you wait for the water to run warm, you can collect the […]
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River Misbourne Habitat Improvement Works
For further information on the River Misbourne improvement works at Barn Meadow and Pondwicks, please click on the QR codes below or pop along to one of the drop in sessions at Barn Meadow Pavilion on Monday 13 June. You views on the plan are very important.
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