Average UK water usage in litres per person per day
By changing simple habits, we can help prevent
water extinction in the near future.
In the UK, rain has always been common all year round. However, the perception of a constantly wet, water-rich nation is in stark contrast with the fact that we are in danger of running out of water.
The Environment Agency is warning that the UK could face serious water shortages within the next 25 years. On average we receive 885mm of rain each year, but while parts of the UK seem wet most of the time, areas like East Anglia are actually semi-arid. As our population grows to around 75 million by 2050, and climate change brings hotter, drier summers, our water supply will drop dangerously unless we take positive action. At every level water conservation is crucial: conserving water could save our water future.
This content was created by and appears on NationalGeographic.com as part of the Where Our Water Goes brand partnership with Reckitt Benckiser
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On average, across the UK we use approximately 143 litres of water per person each day. A lot of this water is unnecessarily wasted, which is why it is crucial that we all know where our water goes.
This content was created by and appears on NationalGeographic.com as part of the Where Our Water Goes brand partnership with Reckitt Benckiser
The Environment Agency is urging us to reduce our average daily water consumption by 33 litres to help ensure we can meet our future water needs.
Average UK water usage in litres per person per day
current
target
By rinsing off dishes before running them in a dishwasher cycle, the average UK household unnecessarily sends thousands of precious litres of water down the drain each year.
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Knowing where we waste water can inspire us to take positive action. There are many things that each and every one of us can do to reduce our water consumption and the actions we take as individuals can make a big difference. Collectively we need to reduce our water consumption to reduce the threat of severe water stress.
This content was created by and appears on NationalGeographic.com as part of the Where Our Water Goes brand partnership with Reckitt Benckiser
Modern dual flush toilets use as little as 6 litres per flush or even less
High efficiency shower heads can use as little as 6 litres per minute, saving 20 litres per five-minute shower
An automatic washing machine typically uses 12 litres per kilo of clothes compared to 36 litres per kilo for hand washing
A dishwasher uses just 12 litres per full load
Taps fitted with flow-controlled aerators can use less than 800mm of water per minute, saving over 8 litres per minute
Installing a drip irrigator uses just 4 litres per hour, saving as much as 996 litres per hour
One of the largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations in the world whose interests include but are not limited to natural science and the promotion of environmental conservation
Major campaign involving more than 40 environmental groups, charities, water companies and regulators, raising awareness of the importance of water and the role everyone plays in protecting
British postgraduate and research-based public university with an international reputation for its transformational research and teaching in the science, engineering and management of water in the municipal, industrial and natural environments