Top tips for smarter water use this Water Saving Week

12 May 2025 15:18

Water Saving Week (12–16 May 2025) is here - an important annual reminder about the importance of coming together to save water, help protect nature, support communities and secure a future where water is available for everyone.

And with the recent warm weather looking set to continue this week, NI Water is raising awareness about the need to be water efficient and reduce water waste at home and in the garden, including using the Get Water Fit app www.getwaterfit.com.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “It's Water Saving Week so there's really no better time to dust off old habits and create some new ones that are good for the environment and your pocket.”

“It's important we all play our part in protecting future water supplies that may come under pressure because of our changing climate and population growth. As the warmer weather continues demands on water supplies will naturally increase but with a few simple changes, customers can save hundreds of litres of water which in turn will benefit the environment and save you money.”

“The Get Water Fit app www.getwaterfit.com is a good way to start thinking how much water you are using each day and how you can reduce your usage. Whether you are washing your hands, cleaning dishes or getting through that mountain of washing, you start to realise just how important water is and the sheer amount we use.”

Did you know?

• 55% of people in Northern Ireland shower six to 10 times per week and 48% of people shower for between two and five minutes each time they use the shower.
• 58% of people own a dishwasher and 16% use it every day.
• 99% of people own a washing machine, with 22% saying they use it every day.
• And 67% of respondents say they use a hosepipe or bucket to water plants, while 52% use them to wash their cars.

Anna continued: “It's amazing to think that every day each person uses around 170 litres of water! With rising energy costs, it might be time to think about reducing the amount of time spent in the shower or the number of times you use your washing machine or dishwasher - hot water costs money. It's really easy to save water and there are some simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference.”

NI Water's top ten tips to save water:

1. Start by looking at small changes, for example, your kettle. Since working from home, it has been working overtime; but just fill it with as much water as you need. Overfilling can use twice as much energy each time you boil.
2. Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth - A running tap can use 6 litres of water per minute. Use a timer while brushing your teeth to ensure you don't waste any extra water too.
3. Why not try the 4 minute shower challenge - put on your favourite 4 minute song and see if you can finish before the end. Or you can also use a shower timer to avoid extra water being used.
4. Use a bowl for washing vegetables - then you can reuse this water for plants.
5. Make full use of your washing machine and dishwasher - half load programmes on use more than half the water and energy of a full load, so wait until the machine is full before switching it on.
6. Keep a jug of water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run cold. NI Water recommends water in the fridge needs to be changed every day or used within 24 hours.
7. Fix leaking taps - A dripping tap can waste more than 60 litres of water per week.
8. Use a watering can instead of a hose – a hose uses over 500 litres of water an hour, enough to fill 12 baths.
9. Use a waterbutt – they are a great way of harvesting rainwater, which can then be used to water plants, wash cars and wash windows.
10. To help you kick start these new habits and 'Get Water Fit', complete the online water audit at www.getwaterfit.co.uk or take part in water saving challenges and receive your free water saving items including a 4 minute shower timer, toothy timers and swell gel bags for the garden.

NI Water is also encouraging customers to sign up to its free text alert service which keeps them updated about anything that may impact on their water supply or any of our other services in the area. Sign up here www.niwater.com/register-for-keeping-you-informed/.

Ends

Notes to editors

• In October 2024 findings from a report called the 2023/34 Continuous Household Survey were published showing findings in relation to water usage in Northern Ireland. It was published and produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), and presents findings from the 2023/24 Continuous Household Survey (CHS). The publication is available on the new Water Usage Research webpage.
• NI Water recently published its Water Resource Plan www.niwater.com/managing-northern-irelands-water-resources/ showing how we will manage and develop water resources to make sure there is enough water to meet future supply needs. It also sets out how we will maintain water supplies during critical periods such as severe winters and droughts and having a plan for drought.

Media enquiries to the NI Water Press Office via email to press.office@niwater.com.