There’s no doubt we’ve all become increasingly aware of our impact on the earth, right? This year, my resolution was to lead a simpler, more sustainable life. So, limit single-use plastic, shop local, reduce food waste and remember to think about the environmental impact of my actions, however small. Bars of soap over bottles of shampoo or shower gel, compostable food bin for the kitchen. Then trips to the local market armed with my own tupperware, and tote bags, for starters. But what about ways to waste less water in your bathroom?

The Energy Saving Trust says that the average UK household uses around 330 litres per day and Waterwise suggests 85% of us aren’t sure how much we actually use.

Another fact: according to Waterwise, around 30% of water used in an average UK household is through flushing the loo. So if you’re at home, like I am right now, that may even rise. Stop flushing the loo after wees to waste less water in your bathroom.

Now for the good news… a few simple steps when you’re designing your bathroom can significantly help you reduce how much of the stuff goes down the drain and is wasted.

I spoke to journalist Ysanne Brooks about how to waste less water in your bathroom, and she had some sound advice…

Get a loo which uses less water

A single rinse from a WC manufactured or fitted before EU regulations reducing flush levels were implemented in 2001 could use as much as 14 litres each time. What?! However, recently there have been  changes made – the new rules say a WC can use e maximum of 6 litres. In addition, the introduction of dual flush means less water is needed to fill the cistern, so the amount you use each time you flush is reduced. This will help you waste less water in your bathroom.

Basically, the smaller button on your flush, uses less water, while the larger button uses more. This usually ranges from 4 to 6 litres. However, some of the latest WCs go as low as between 2.5 and 4 litres. A litre or so saved each time might not sound a lot, but over time it adds up. One of the top ways to waste less water in your bathroom, I reckon.

Consider investing in a rimless design, as they get more flushing power out of less water. They also have another bonus: they’re easier to clean.

Waste less water in your bathroom: save water with your shower

I’ve thought about ways to waste less water in your bathroom a few times. I prefer showers over a bath, and assumed this would be best for the planet. But there are a few things I’ve learned about making a shower even more eco-friendly.

Look for shower heads fitted with aerators which use less water without losing the feeling of a good rinse. They include a device within the shower itself that mixes in air. This is a great way to waste less water in your bathroom.

It allows you to save a considerable amount, going from around 15 litres a minute down to between eight and nine. Do bear in mind that if you have multiple long showers a day, this could, in fact, equal more water wastage. So can you reduce your showering habits at all?

The size of your showerhead will help you waste less water in your bathroom, too. A bigger design, like a rainfall shower, will dispense more water per minute than a small hand-held one.

Other ideas include pulsating showerheads, which discreetly turn the flow on and off 30 times per second. It saves water every time you stop it. There are also models that you can switch off as you’re soaping or washing your hair. They then automatically start again – at the same temperature – once you’re done.

Waste less water in your bathroom: go for sensor taps

In the same way many showerheads now come with aerators, you can buy taps with them too, so ask your bathroom designer about those.

Or how about non-touch taps for your bathroom? Often found in public bathrooms, have you thought about including taps with infrared technology at home? These feature sensors on top to turn the tap on and off again, which means you only use as much water as you need.

The smaller the basin, the better the water saving

You may have noticed that basins, in general, have gotten smaller and shallower. This is because mixer taps mean we no longer have to fill them to get water that’s at the ideal temperature. However, these smaller designs, and those with a lower profile, will hold enough water for shaving, for instance. But they’ll also reduce how much is wasted. Definitely a good tip to help you waste less water in your bathroom.

Be savvy with your bath

Love a soak? Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to stop. While a standard bath takes around 190 litres to fill, you can buy some that are shallower and hold around 130 litres. That’s a considerable saving without damaging your enjoyment (you’re welcome).

If you’re buying a new bath, look out for designs that have no integral overflow. This allows you to place it yourself, and situating it slightly lower than usual means the water level won’t be so high. The result is a shallower bath that uses less water.

Thermostatic bath fillers will also help reduce waste, particularly if you’re completing other tasks while waiting for the tub to be ready. These taps allow you to preselect the ideal temperature, so you don’t have to let the water run-through or keep checking it. (Or realise that you’ve put too much hot in so have to drain some and add cold to make it the right temperature – not good, sorry.)

I read lots of useful facts on The Energy Saving Trust’s site while researching this piece on ways to waste less water in your bathroom as well as around the home. So do have a look if you’re serious about reducing the amount of water you use. I’ll be making sure I fill the dishwasher and washing machine each time to reduce how much water I use. And there’s a leaky tap downstairs which needs some urgent attention.

Featured image: SmarTap from Victoria Plum. 

If you liked this feature, you may also enjoy: Setting a bathroom budget.

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