Every time there’s a drought warning in the UK, we all suddenly become water-saving superheroes. We turn off the taps, skip watering the garden, and start timing our showers like we’re in a speed challenge. But as soon as the rain comes back, so do the old habits.
So here’s a thought: what if we didn’t wait for a crisis to start caring? What if we treated water like the precious resource it is, every single day?
🌦️ Just Because It Rains Doesn’t Mean We’re in the Clear
It’s easy to assume the UK has plenty of water – after all, we’re known for our drizzle. But climate change is throwing everything off. We’re seeing longer dry spells, hotter summers, and more pressure on our water systems. Even in places like the North East, reservoirs can run low, and ecosystems suffer.
The truth is that water isn’t endless. And the way we use it – at home, in the garden, even in how we shop – makes a difference.
🚿 Small Changes, Big Impact
Here are a few things I’ve started doing that genuinely help:
Fixing leaks straight away – a dripping tap might not seem like much, but it can waste thousands of litres a year.
Shorter showers – I set a timer now. Five minutes is plenty most days.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth – It’s such a simple one, but easy to forget.
🌿 Rethinking the Garden
I used to water my garden every other day in summer. Now I’ve switched to:
- Using a water butt to collect rainwater (they’re surprisingly cheap and easy to set up – visit https://savewatersavemoney.co.uk/ find the right one for you).
- Planting more drought-tolerant plants – lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses are thriving with barely any watering.
Watering early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
🧠 Making It a Habit, not a Reaction
The biggest shift for me has been mindset. I try to think of water as something I share with my community and the environment – not just something that comes out of the tap on demand.
I’ve also started talking about it more. Not in a preachy way but just sharing tips with friends or neighbours. You’d be surprised how many people are up for making changes once they realise how easy it can be.
💬 Final Thought
We don’t need to wait for a hosepipe ban to start caring. If we all made a few small changes and stuck with them, we could make a huge difference. Not just during droughts, but all year round. Water is our life source. Let’s treat it that way
