Mini Heatwave Warning: 10 Simple Garden Water Saving Tips You Need Right Now

As parts of the UK brace for soaring temperatures, South West Water has teamed up with the Consumer Council for Water to offer essential advice to help households save water and money in the garden.

With the warm weather arriving, small changes could make a big difference in reducing water usage, especially for those on a water meter.

Small Changes, Big Savings

The garden is one of the easiest places to cut down on water. Here are 10 tips shared by South West Water and the Consumer Council for Water to help you get started:

1. Plant wisely
Choose hardy plants that thrive in drier conditions, so you can enjoy your garden without constant watering.

2. Water first and last thing
Water early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s cooler to help plants absorb moisture better.

3. Invest in a water butt
Collect rainwater for free and use it when you need it.

4. Don’t worry about your lawn
Grass will recover naturally. Cut it higher and leave clippings as mulch to retain moisture.

5. Reuse water from the home
If rainwater isn’t available, use leftover washing-up water (without bleach) or bathwater to hydrate your plants.

6. Use a watering can
Avoid waste by watering more precisely than with a hose.

7. Layer up with mulch
Adding mulch traps water, adds nutrients and helps stop weeds. Spring is the ideal time to do this.

8. Protect plants from the sun
Apply compost, bark or manure to improve soil moisture and create better conditions for your plants.

9. Soak up excess water
Place mats or saucers under pots to catch water and let roots absorb every drop.

10. Use drip trays
Drip trays stop excess water from going to waste and keep pots hydrated for longer.

Wise Water Use Helps Everyone

Thomas Harrison, Senior Demand Strategy Manager at South West Water, said: “Gardening can be an important activity for many people and although it can use lots of water, there are plenty of small steps you can take to reduce water consumption.”

Karen Gibbs, Senior Leader for the Environment at the Consumer Council for Water, added: “Using water wisely in the garden allows your plants to thrive, helps protect the environment and can cut your bills.”

Karen continued: “As temperatures rise, simple steps like keeping a jug by the sink to reuse water, choosing drought-resistant plants and watering at cooler times can all make a big difference with little effort.”

South West Water is committed to securing the region’s water supply with a 25-year investment plan to ensure a healthy and reliable service well into the future.

For more advice on saving water at home and in the garden, and to explore South West Water’s range of free water-saving devices, visit South West Water’s website.