Saving Water Introduction
Water - We all need it, we can’t live without it, and yet we are using more and more of it. It’s a precious resource and yet many of us use it as if it was free and available in unlimited quantities. It’s not! Although we appear to have plenty of rain in Guernsey, our water resources are constantly under pressure.
We use 70% more water today than we did 40 years ago, mainly due to our change in lifestyle. Population growth also puts strain on supplies, and with the unknown effects of global warming and the associated climate change, we must ensure that we use water as sensibly as possible. By way of an example, we each use an average of nearly 140 litres of water a day in our homes, whilst our great grandparents managed with about 18 litres.
The collection, treatment and distribution of water requires huge amounts of energy to both treat and pump it to our houses, so our thirst for water is damaging our planet in more ways than one.
Water Wise Survey
In 2011 Guernsey Water carried out a 'Water Wise Survey' to gain information on customers' water usage habits, and to promote simple measures which could save customers money by reducing their water usage.
A full analysis of the survey can be found here.
How You Can Save Water
The good news is that there are many simple things you can do at home, at work, and in the school to reduce your consumption of water. As well as helping to secure our water supply both for ourselves and for future generations, you also benefit in many other ways. By cutting down on your water use you can:
- Save money
- Reduce the possibility of water shortages and summer water rationing
- Reduce emissions of greenhouse gases which are responsible for global warming
- Reduce the amount of energy and chemicals used in the treatment and pumping of water
- Reduce damage to wildlife habitats in wetlands and rivers
- Reduce the fall in groundwater levels, thereby reducing stress on woodlands.
Guernsey Water has put together some information sheets that give you helpful tips on how to save water. These can be downloaded by clicking on the titles below.
Guernsey Water has also created a 'Saving Water Sticker' which features the message 'Water is precious - please do not waste it' translated into a number of different languages. If you would like some of these stickers, please contact us.
