Be Waterwise Through the Continuing Warm Weather

16 May 2025 14:46

As the warm weather continues and we’re all enjoying an unseasonably hot Spring, NI Water is asking for the public’s support in sharing water saving tips with family and friends. The company is encouraging everyone to be water efficient, reduce water waste and save water for when it’s needed most. NI Water say this is particularly important with the dry weather forecast to continue into next week with no rainfall.

NI Water education officer Anna Killen said: “As we enjoy this extended period of good weather, NI Water’s teams have been closely monitoring storage in our reservoirs and we can see the demand for water into the distribution network is inevitably increasing. With the forecast showing the recent good weather is to continue with no rainfall, we will continue to closely monitor reservoir storage and consider if any measures need to be introduced so that we can continue to deliver for our customers. It's important to note that water storage levels across Northern Ireland are currently in a reasonably healthy position but we also know it’s important to be proactive and let our customers know to use water wisely at this time.”

Anna continued: “While we all love to have fun in the sun, as the temperatures rise so too does the demand for water. It’s amazing to think that on an average day, each person uses around 170 litres of water, but this increases on a hot sunny day to over 200 litres. There are simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference to save water for when we need it most.”

Offering some advice on using water outside, Anna said: “On hot days, outdoor water makes up to half of our daily water usage. For example, filling a 12ft swimming pool uses the same amount of water 500 people use for daily handwashing. So it’s always good to consider ways you can save on water usage outdoors such as using a watering can instead of a hose to water the garden or using a bucket of water to wash your car rather than a hose. 

“All this hot, dry weather may have our lawns looking a bit brown and it’s tempting to turn on the sprinkler, but a sprinkler can use as much as 1,000 litres of clean drinking water in a single hour – that’s more than a family of four would use in a whole day. Lawns are great survivors and with the next rain they will soon bounce back.

Explaining how to save water at home, Anna said: “It’s important to keep well hydrated and ensuring we are drinking enough water during this warm weather is vitally important. Topping up from the tap is a great way to do this but don’t be tempted to let the tap run while waiting for the water to get cold. Instead keep a jug of refreshing tap water in the fridge, cold water when you need it and less waste. 

“As we start to feel the heat and head for that refreshing shower, it might be time to think about reducing the time you spend in the shower. Not only does hot water cost money, but by reducing our time in the shower by just 2 minutes you can save around 100 litres of water a week.  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 consider using a shower timer.”

NI Water’s top ten water saving tips to share with your friends and family: 

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 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.

For information on staying safe in the sun visit https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/news/taking-care-sun