Saving water at home: small actions, real impact

At Watergate, we spend every day helping people understand how much water shapes their lives. Rising demand, hotter summers and unpredictable rainfall are putting real pressure on supplies across the UK. The government has already set a target to reduce per-person water use by 20 percent by 2038. That goal matters, and we play a part in it at home.

So we were really excited when Sky News asked us to support their documentary on water saving – Sky Kids Investigates: Are we running out of water?. The team wanted to show how ordinary households can reduce their daily use with clear information and practical habits. We installed Watergate Sonic in a family home so they could see their own patterns. Their experience gave us a great example to share, and it fits perfectly into the wider story of what water saving looks like in real life.

The family who cut their use in seven days

The family of four began the week using around 450 litres a day. The national average for a similar household sits closer to 584 litres, so they already had good habits, yet they still had room to go lower. With Watergate Sonic tracking their usage and a set of tips from water saving expert Jane Bellard, their daily figure dropped to roughly 300 litres in one week.

Jane’s guidance was simple.

1. Wash up in a bowl. Save around 36 litres a day.
2. Run the washing machine full on eco mode. Save around 35 litres per load.
3. Fill the bath 2.5 centimetres lower. Save around 10 litres per bath.
4. Shorten showers by two minutes. Save around 16 litres per shower.
5. Use the small button on a dual-flush toilet. Save around 20 litres a day.
6. Turn off the tap when brushing teeth. Save around 20 litres a day.

Their week showed how quickly change builds when people can see what is happening inside their home. It also reminded us how many homes across the country can achieve similar results with a few steady steps.

Water scarcity and the role of everyday habits

Across England and Wales, around one billion litres of water are lost every day inside homes and buildings. These losses add to the strain created by climate change and population growth. The country needs practical action at scale, and that starts with households taking small steps that add up over time.

Simple habits work well: shorter showers, efficient washing routines, careful tap use and small adjustments to baths. These changes keep bills lower and cut the energy needed for heating water. They also support national resilience by reducing demand at the point where water is most heavily used.

Leaks deserve more attention

Many homes waste large volumes through slow or unnoticed leaks. A stuck toilet valve or a tiny pipe fracture can run for weeks. One Watergate-monitored property highlighted a single toilet leak releasing tens of thousands of litres every day. The residents only understood the scale once their usage data revealed a clear pattern.

Slow leaks rarely attract attention until the damage appears. Steady monitoring helps households respond early, protect their property and prevent large volumes of wasted water.

Why we believe monitoring helps everyone

Watergate Sonic gives people a clear view of their daily routines. Real-time data highlights habits, reveals sudden changes and offers alerts when usage drifts. The automatic shut-off function protects homes during major incidents. This combination creates confidence and helps families take control of their consumption.

Most households using Watergate technology reduce their use by more than 25 percent. These savings often come from a mix of improved habits and early action on leaks.

A simple structure for water saving at home

Daily habits

Start with two or three small changes. Consistency builds momentum.

Regular checks

Look at taps, hose attachments and appliance connectors each month. Toilets deserve special attention, as they cause some of the largest hidden losses.

Seasonal care

Cold weather increases the risk of freeze-related pipe bursts. A little insulation and steady heating in vulnerable areas helps avoid serious damage. Check out this article for more on how to protect your property from a winter water disaster.

What meaningful savings look like

The family filmed by Sky saved around 150 litres a day. Over a month, that is more than 4,500 litres. Over a year, more than 50,000 litres. These reductions support the national 2038 target and help cut household bills.

Moving forward together

We meet people every week who want to use water more carefully but feel unsure where to begin. Clear information helps. Simple habits help. Monitoring helps even more. Change starts with small steps, and those steps are available to every household.

This is a national challenge, but it is also a personal one. Every litre saved protects rivers, supports communities and strengthens our long-term water security. We are proud to play our part and proud to support households who want to do the same.

Check out more tips on how to save water at home.