Sustainable Development

Greening in the Home - Water

Water is becoming a more and more precious resource due to the increased demands made upon it by industrialisation, development and climate change.

Water is one of the few resources that is a necessity for life and one that we, especially in Scotland, take for granted as it falls so freely from the sky However there are many areas of the globe that suffer from repeated drought conditions resulting in failing crops, soil erosion and starvation of animals and humans alike. The secondary effect of these conditions result in the mass movement of people temporary displacement, which often leads to the spread of disease and further deaths. People expect good quality water to be "on tap", and we use more than previous generations through the advent of technology: - washing and dishwasher machines, power showers, sprinkler systems and power hoses, We have also become lax in our use of the resource, leaving taps running, not undertaking repairs promptly, pollution of waterways and seas.

Many agencies are working very hard to meet our needs and combat the problems of pollution Water Boards, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), Local Authorities and many others.

In South Ayrshire Scottish Water has spent a significant amount of money in upgrading the delivery of water and removal of waste. This has resulted in less water wastage and cleaner beaches.

SEPA monitor our waterways and where necessary prosecute people who pollute waterways, As a result one success story has resulted in the return of otters and water voles to the Pow Burn between Prestwick and Troon.

How to conserve water

Did you know you use three times more water having a bath than a shower?
Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth
If your toilet has a large or old cistern, fit it with a water-saving device. They save water every time you flush. There are lots of different types and not all of them are suitable for every toilet cistern
Do not peel vegetables under a running tap - put water in the sink/basin
Wait until you have enough clothes or dishes for a full load before you use your washing machine or dishwasher. If you must do smaller washes use the half load cycle. If clothes or dishes aren't too dirty, use a quick wash setting.
A tap that drips once a second wastes 33 litres a day - in a year that's enough for 446 showers!
When buying new appliances, ask about water and energy efficient models. Look out for the ECO label.
When washing the car use a bucket and sponge rather than the garden hose or the local car wash.