The Consumer Council for Water represents water consumers across England and Wales, and has two committees representing consumers in the Southern and Thames regions.

Gardeners in the South East will no doubt be relieved that there are no hosepipe restrictions in sight! Fortunately, last year’s wet winter combined with water company action and consumers’ efforts to reduce their non-essential water use meant that although hosepipe restrictions were introduced in most areas, more severe drought measures were avoided.

Consumers showed that they were able to save water from being wasted around the home and in the garden without making radical changes to their lifestyles. But having come through one of the driest periods in the region for 70 years, we cannot afford to become too complacent even though we have had plenty of rain this year. And further into the future, we also know that the population in the South East will continue to grow and with it the demand for water.

Everyone has a part to play, including the government, the water industry and we as consumers.

Saving water can also have the added benefit of reducing energy costs as well. Around 20-30% of household energy use relates to water heating so if you shower rather than have baths and only use washing machines when full, you might start to see a difference in your energy bills. If you do not have a water meter you will not see any difference in your bills regardless of how much water you save, so it might be worth contacting your local water company to get hold of a meter information pack which will tell you more about this option.