Water Regs UK is calling on installers and plumbers to provide consumers with advice on how to save water in the face of spiralling energy costs.
The body has said that as a nation we underestimate how much water we use and believes that plumbers and installers are in a unique position to advise consumers on how to use water efficiently.
Water Regs UK managing director Julie Spinks said: “In properties with a meter, water efficiency can have a direct impact on monthly bills, but it’s not just households with meters that need to be mindful of water usage. We all should be thinking about the amount of energy used to heat it as well.”
In a rallying call to installers, Spinks added: “When installers and plumbers are providing advice and guidance about water fittings, we suggest talking people through all water-saving options, not just those most relevant to the work that you’re discussing.
“Property owners will welcome any recommendations to help ease the pressure, so don’t worry about providing too much guidance or even covering the basics. Our data shows that people are still not in the know about how to manage their water usage, so it’s highly likely they’ll welcome your support.”
Water Regs UK revealed that in a recent survey of 2,000 UK adults, it found that Brits believed the average person used 72 litres of water a day, which is less than half the actual amount.
The same survey also showed that 69% of those polled didn’t realise that insulating pipes can help retain heat, while more than half (54%) were unaware that they can purchase a water-efficient washing machine.
Similarly, 51% hadn’t considered changing their shower heads for an eco-friendly model, which Water Regs UK pointed out could save 26 litres of water for an average seven-minute shower.
Water Regs UK is funded by and works with the UK’s 26 water companies to protect public health and encourage water efficiency by promoting compliance with Water Fitting Regulations and disseminating information about water regulations.