How long is too long to run a tap?
FRIDAY 27th SEPTEMBER 2024
Turning off a tap is a small act, but over time it can make a big difference to your spending
Both domestic and commercial water charges have been on the rise in recent years, but even the simplest actions can help keep payments down. Something as small as turning off your tap a little earlier can have a significant impact on your overall water use.
It may seem harmless to let water run while brushing your teeth, washing dishes or waiting for it to warm up, but over time these minutes and seconds add up, and so do your costs.
Let’s take a closer look at the implications of running your tap for too long, exploring key stats and essential tips on reducing waste and cutting down your bills.
What is the cost of running water?
Figures from The Independent reveal that the average UK household uses about 330 litres of water per day, while South Staffs Water reveals that the average UK business uses around 50 litres of water per day per employee. Depending on the size of your business, this can quickly add up.
Some of the most mundane tasks are the worst offenders when it comes to water waste. Leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth, for example, can waste up to six litres per minute. Assuming everyone brushing twice a day for two minutes, that’s 24 litres per person per day.
Washing dishes by hand can also lead to water waste, as washing under a running tap wastes as much as nine litres per minute. So if you spend just 10 minutes a day washing dishes – at home or in the office –you are potentially using 90 litres of water. Similarly, running a tap while waiting for hot water can use between 5-10 litres each time.
How long is too long to run your taps?
Small changes in your daily routine can lead to substantial water savings. For example, turning off the tap as soon as possible in the workplace kitchen or utilising water efficient dishwashers and other appliances. Similarly, you only need to run water for around 20 seconds to wash your hands effectively, and you can turn off the tap while lathering with soap.
Filling a sink or basin is more efficient while washing up than letting the tap run continuously, and installing a hot water system or water-saving device can reduce the time you have to wait for hot water to come through your taps.
It’s also important to look for any unnecessary water wastage, such as leaks. A dripping tap can waste more than 5,500 litres of water every year, according to Scottish Water, so fixing a leak can quickly and significantly cut down your water use. Be mindful of your water use, and remember that every drop counts.
Get in touch with Everflow today
Looking to compare business water? Find out why it's time to switch and save with Everflow now.