The figures are based on an average cost per litre of 0.19 pence for water supplied and taken away in 2006-07. The average cost per litre of water may vary from company to company. Prices based on prices in 2006-07.
Where appropriate costs are rounded to the nearest penny.
| Activity | Average weekly use | Litres used - per activity | Cost per use |
| Bath | 2 | 80 per bath | 15p |
| Flushing the toilet | 35 | 8 per flush | 1.52p |
| Gravity shower | 7 | 35 per shower | 7p |
| Power shower | 7 | 80 per shower | 15p |
| Washing machine | 3 | 65 per wash | 12p |
| Dishwasher | 4 | 25 | 5p |
| Watering the garden | 1 | 540 | £1.03 |
| Washing car with bucket | 1 (4 buckets) | 8 per bucket = 32 litres | 6p |
| Washing car with hose pipe | 1 | 400 - 480 | 76p - 91.2p |
Changing water consumption and the environment
Does it surprise you to know you probably use 153 litres of water a day (according to Ofwat)? In many developing countries, water consumption is as low as 20 litres a day for the average person (what we used in Britain in the 19th century). But is our growing water use a sign of our developing affluence or of our increased greed? The above table shows you how much your different water habits are roughly costing you, but it also helps you bear in mind the impact they are having on the environment.
The Environment Agency is urging people to use less water. In 2005, groundwater levels were lower than they have been for 20 years, affecting the wildlife that depends on rivers and wetlands - fish, birds and rare plants. By using less, you can save money and lessen the impact of drought on our environment.
Changes in water resources
Our increased water consumption is putting a strain on our water resources. While this is partly as a result of new technology and behaviour such as frequent showering, dishwashers and washing machines, it's combined with activities such as leaving a tap running while we brush our teeth or shave, increased and unnecessary use of sprinklers or hosepipes, long power showers, running taps for excessive periods and flushing the toilet to dispose of things like tissues and cotton wool. There are simple things you can do to cut your water use that will, if you have a metered supply, save you money.
Water supplies in the UK
Water wasted by the consumer is not the only issue that threatens our water supplies. Rainfall patterns and population increases are also creating difficulties for the government and water industry. Here are some facts that will get you thinking about the precious stuff that comes out of your tap:
- the average Briton uses the equivalent of 16 buckets worth of water a day. One third of this goes down the loo
- London gets less annual rainfall than either Istanbul or Rome
- about one third of our water is lost through leaking pipes before it gets to our home - many water companies claim they can't afford to repair them because of the difficulties in meeting demands
- on average, only 3% of domestic water is used as drinking water
- many people in the world exist on 10 litres of water or less a day, we use this in almost one flush of the toilet
Start your water comparison now
uSwitch.com removes all of the hassle of switching to a meter. By entering a few details into our online water bill switching service you will see how much you could save by switching to a meter from your water company. Once you decide to switch uSwitch.com does the first step for you.