Majority of Brits have no idea how much water they use each day

The overwhelming majority of Brits do not know how much water they use every day, according to a new survey. 

The Savanta ComRes survey for the trade body Water UK and water efficiency experts Waterwise reveals that 46% believe their household uses under 20 litres a day, a further 17% believe they consume between 20 and 39 litres a day while 15% think they use 40 to 59 litres.

The true figure is closer to 142 litres per person per day.

According to Water UK and Waterwise an average family of four in the UK could use more than 500 litres each day.

The misconception is most acute amongst the young with 66% of 18-34-year-olds believing their household uses under 20 litres.

However, the lack of awareness continues throughout the age groups with a quarter (26%) of over-65s answering the same.

But, while people are unsure about the amount of water they consume, the vast majority (68%) say they are willing to reduce the amount of water they use at home to help protect the environment.

These revelations come as water companies encourage customers to consider their water usage with record numbers of people staying at home this August bank holiday.

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak has put increased pressure on water supplies. With many more people staying at home combined with a surge in the number of ‘staycations’ has meant demand for water has been exceptionally high this summer.

As a result of the unique circumstances the water industry launched the ‘Water’s Worth Saving’ Campaign earlier in the summer. The campaign, which builds on the existing awareness raising work of water companies, aims to educate consumers about the water they are using while offering simple hints and tips to help save this precious resource.

‘The results of this survey illustrate the importance of our Water’s Worth Saving campaign to show the public the value and importance of saving water,’ said Water UK chief executive Christine McGourty.

‘It’s been a typically unsettled British summer, but we’ve also seen periods of very hot weather in parts of the country. This combined with more people at home and the surge in ‘staycations’ has seen record levels of water demand and has put huge pressure on supplies.

‘But there’s things we can all do to save water and small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s reusing the water from a paddling pool or taking a shorter shower, we all have a role to play in ensuring we have enough water now and for future generations,’ she added.

Photo Credit – Kaboompics (Pixabay)