While it is always important to conserve drinking water, it is an especially poignant topic during the current spell of dry weather.
Along with group water schemes (GWS) potentially having less water available at source, the increase in water demand during the hot spell puts pressure on treatment systems. These systems have a design capacity and, where this is exceeded, they (especially the filtration system) cannot operate as effectively. This increases the risk of contaminants entering the drinking water supply.
It is essential that group water schemes at risk of shortages have a contingency plan in place, including the possibility of connecting into neighbouring GWS or Irish Water supplies. More advice on how to be drought-ready is available with our GWS water conservation toolkit here and NFGWS development officers are more than happy to help. Draft press releases, radio ads and member text messages are also readily available.
Group water scheme members can do their part by conserving water and helping to avoid restrictions during critical periods. The NFGWS has put together a list of actions for householders, farmers and business owners.
Water conservation tips for householders
Shower rather than bath and take shorter showers - Showers use only half the amount of water required for a bath. However, an average shower uses 10 litres of water per minute, so taking a shorter shower will save even more water.
Turn off the tap - While brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the tap and save up to six litres of water per minute.
Toilet flushing - This is one of the biggest water users in most homes. Consider only flushing the toilet when you really need to.
Toilet cistern bag - This device — available from DIY stores — when filled with water and inserted in the water cistern of your toilet displaces water volume in the tank so that every time you flush the toilet, less water is used.
Fill the washing machine and dishwasher - Make sure your washing machine and dishwasher are always fully loaded before putting on a wash. This also saves money on energy bills.
Place a basin in the sink - Use a basin for washing dishes by hand or collecting the water you use to rinse fruit and vegetables. That water can then be used for watering plants.
Keep a jug of water in the fridge - Do this instead of running the cold tap every time you need a drink, as it can waste 10 litres per day of water.
Choose the correct pot or pan size for cooking - Remember to use the lid on a pot or pan when cooking to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation, meaning you don’t have to keep adding water.
Fix dripping taps and hosepipes promptly - Replace washers and fix overflows to avoid water wastage.
Avoid recreational use -Paddling pools — while great fun — can waste a large amount of water.
Water conservation tips for farmers
Check for overflowing troughs - Overflowing drinking troughs and incorrectly set or damaged ball-valves can waste significant amounts of water. Adjust the ball valves to lower the float or replace faulty parts.
On dairy farms - Cooling water can be diverted to a tank and used for parlour washing.
Use dry-cleaning techniques - Use scrapers and brushes to remove solid waste from yards and pens before hosing or a small amount of water (e.g. one bucket) to pre-soak waste before cleaning.
Check your private pipework on the farm - Inspect the ground above your pipes for visible signs of leaks, such as unusually damp ground, lusher than expected vegetation (sign of recent leak) or reduced community/rush vegetation (consequence of a long-term leak).
Fix dripping taps and hosepipes promptly - Replace washers and fix overflows to avoid water wastage.
Check water meters - Carry out ‘night flow’ tests on water meters to identify possible leaks. If the night usage is unusually high or the counter is still running when everything is turned off, you may have a leak.
Running taps - Do not leave taps unattended while running.
Water conservation tips for other businesses
Check private pipework on your property and fix dripping taps and hosepipes promptly - Inspect the ground above your pipes for visible signs of leaks. Replace washers and fix overflows to avoid water wastage.
Check water meters - Carry out ‘night flow’ tests on water meters to identify possible leaks. If the night usage is unusually high or the counter is still running when everything is turned off, you may have a leak.
Toilet cistern bag - This device — available from DIY stores — when filled with water and inserted in the water cistern of your toilet displaces water volume in the tank so that every time you flush the toilet, less water is used.
Engage and inform staff - Every member of staff plays a role in water usage. Make sure that they are educated and informed about how to conserve water.
Check closed businesses - If businesses or schools are closed, check that there is no unnecessary water loss from urinals etc.
Visit the water conservation section of our website for more information.
