How You Can Save Water (& Money!) in the Event of a Hosepipe Ban

With UK lawns turning yellow after weeks of hot, dry weather and barely a drop of rain, don't be surprised if water companies up and down the UK start introducing hosepipe bans.

During a hosepipe ban, any activity that involves using a hose –  from watering plants to washing cars –  is strictly prohibited (you could even face a £1000 fine for not following the ban!).

To help rescue dried up reservoirs, we've put together this list of handy tips that will come in useful not just during a  ban, but in the long run as well – you could even save yourself some money, especially if you're on a water meter!

1.Turn Off The Tap

When brushing your teeth or shaving, you’re likely to leave the tap running throughout the process. Doing this uses an unnecessary amount of water. Turn the tap off until you actually need to use the water.

It’s a small step, but doing so will save a lot of water in the long run.

2. Spend Less Time in the Shower

Reducing your time in the shower by just one minute every day can go a long way to saving a lot of water. Some showers use up to 17L of water in a single minute – just imagine how much you could save with a quicker shower!

B&M Top Tip: Put a bucket in the bottom of the shower while you're waiting for the water to go warm. It collects water which you can use for other things like watering the lawn, or washing the car.

3. Pack the Washing Machine

Instead of doing two or three smaller loads of laundry in the washing machine, pack it full with a large load. It will use less water overall and your clothes will be just as clean.

With the warm weather, you’ll have plenty of opportunity for it all to dry outdoors!

4. Fully Load the Dishwasher

As with your washing machine, using the dishwasher to wash just a few plates and bowls is going to waste of a lot of water.

Wait until the dishwasher is fully loaded. You’ll see the long-term effects it has on your water bill.

6. Use a Bucket

When washing the car or your windows, don’t use the hose (unless you want to risk the fine!). It will use too much water when you could give them both the same clean with a bucket or two of soapy water.

Once you’re done washing the car with sponges and soap, rinse it by throwing the whole bucket of water over the vehicle! Then, just dry it as you normally would.

5. Use a Watering Can

During a hosepipe ban, you’re still allowed to use a watering can. You’ll use a lot less water by sprinkling your flowers with a 10L watering can than you would with a high-powered hose.

7. Less Thirsty Plants

Some plants require more water than others, so research this before purchasing and decorating your garden.

Filling your garden with plants that don’t require as much water will see you use less over a long period of time.

8. Invest in a Water Butt

Collecting rain water in a water butt can be one of the best ways to cut down your usage of water – mainly because you’ll be using none!

Water butts at B&M can store up to 250ml, meaning you can water your plants freely without using any from your tap.

Do you have any helpful tips for saving water? Let the B&M community know on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!