NI Water has appealed to the public to be smarter with their water usage following the recent release of the first ever Continuous Household Survey (CHS).

According to the survey, 81% of households had a hosepipe or bucket for outside use with over two thirds (67%) of those used for watering plants, while over half (52%) said they use them to wash the car.

More than one in ten households use a hosepipe or bucket for power washing, while other usages include watering the lawn, filling paddling pools, washing out bins, hot tubs, windows, motorcycles, farm work and pets.

"We might think that after what felt like a very wet summer this year that there is more water than enough to go around," said NI Water Education Officer Anna Killen.

"However, although the planet is covered in water, only one percent of it is actually drinkable so it really is essential to conserve water now for future generations."

-- Advertisement --

NI Water says the findings are important and enable every household the opportunity to understand how it can use water more wisely and adopt lifelong habits that will help protect the environment and one of the planet's most precious resources – water.

"There are some great ways we can all use water more wisely, including outdoors," said Anna.

"For example, if you have to water your garden, a watering can or waterbutt is a great alternative to a hose or bucket. A waterbutt collects rainwater and can be used for watering plants, filling ponds, washing windows and cars.

"While those who like to keep their car clean can also ditch the hose and use the water they've collected in their waterbutt, or sparingly use a bucket and sponge," she continued.

"There are lots of ways people can save water by looking at everyday habits and seeing where they can be changed."

Anna also suggests mending leaking taps, including outdoor taps as taps that drip once a second result in the loss of 33 litres of water a day.

Similarly, the public are urged not to leave taps running longer than necessary as a running tap, including outdoor taps, can use 6 litres of water per minute.

NI Water's online water audit will also help the public find out more about how and where water is used, while suggesting some easy ways to help make savings, it can be found at www.getwaterfit.co.uk.