Using water wisely at home is a simple way to look after the environment. It helps protect our clean water sources, cuts the energy and carbon needed to treat and heat water, and supports healthier local waterways. Being water‑smart also makes communities more resilient to drought and flooding – and it can help reduce your energy and water bills too.
What can I do at home?
Learn how small changes at home can make a big impact:
- Turn off taps when not in use
Avoid leaving taps running while brushing your teeth or washing dishes. This simple change can save up to 6 litres of water every minute.
- Only run appliances when full
Use washing machines and dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. This maximises water efficiency and reduces energy use
- Take shorter showers
Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save around 10 litres of water per person, per day.
- Report leaks early
If you spot damp patches, a constantly running toilet, or unexpectedly high water bills, report them to Cobalt to prevent further waste and property damage. A single dripping tap can waste more than 5000 litres of water each year. Report any drips or leaks to us as soon as possible.
- Use a washing-up bowl
Fill a bowl for washing dishes rather than running the tap continuously. This reduces water waste and makes rinsing more efficient.
- Collect rainwater for outdoor use
Use a water butt or similar container to collect rainwater for watering the garden or plants, instead of using a hose.
- Encourage others in your household
Share these tips with everyone in your home so that water saving becomes a shared responsibility.
Cobalt’s commitment
Cobalt will continue to invest in new kitchens and bathrooms each year to ensure your home has water-efficient taps, toilets and showers. We will utilise materials and products in our investment programme that support our sustainability strategy outcomes, for example, by fitting water-saving taps and showers as standard. We will also work with partners, subcontractors and customers to identify the most effective individual interventions to reduce water usage and promote water saving for our customers.
External resources
- United Utilities – Water for the North West
- Waterwise UK – Tips and research
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Water management
Learn easy tips to save water, lower your bills, and protect the environment. Find out how you can get support around water in your home, how Cobalt and other organisations can support you and make a difference.