Power showers use twice the water of a bath

That's the shock finding in a new study by Unilever into household water usage.

The study researched over 2,600 showers across a 100 households - the results will challenge our pre-conceptions on water and energy conservation in the home.

During the study, researchers found that whilst the average bath uses 80 litres of water, taking a long shower or using a power shower can result in up to 136 litres of water being used.

To put that figure into context, for an average family of 4, that equals 200,000 litres of water a year at a cost of £918 in water and electricity use.

Non power showers, which use less water, and shorter showering times, resulted in an energy and water bill of just £416 a year.

What's worrying is the fact that power showers currently make up 20% of the shower market and the number is increasing.

Unilever's study concludes by pointing out that water usage, globally, has risen. It's estimated an average person uses 30 litres or water a day more than we did in 1970.

So, if you're remodelling the bathroom or en-suite, think carefully about the type of shower you install. Used sensibly, a non power shower will save more energy and water than a bath.

photo credit: hygiene matters

washing your car the eco-friendly way

I don't know about your street, but down mine - the minute the sun comes out so do the buckets and hosepipes and the neighbourhood works itself into a car cleaning foaming frenzy.

Now we know that hose pipes use loads more water and with the experts predicting a water shortage this Summer (apparently reservoirs are at 70% when they'd be expected to be at 90% capacity), a hose pipe ban is surely only just around the corner. (In fact I don't remember the last one ever being lifted).

But according to an article in The Independent, there are other eco considerations when we're washing our cars, and once you've read them, you might find yourself agreeing with the experts that it's actually more environmentally friendly to use the local car wash.

Here's a a quick recap of what they had to say:

The US International Carwash Association reckons that car washes use less than half the water of the most careful home car wash. 45 gallons per car compared to between 80 and 140 gallons at home.

Their tips include washing your car on the lawn so the water isn't 'wasted'. If you use a hosepipe, use one with an off valve and only use it for rinsing.

The American report also warned of the detergents and other nasties like brake dust washing down the storm drains at home where it could easily be fed into the surrounding rivers and streams. A proper car wash they say will have drainage linked to the water treatment system therefore causing less pollution.

Read the full Independent's article by clicking here.

photo credit: peasap

Watching your water usage in the shower

Is nothing sacred? Having been hounded out of using the bath for energy bill reasons (but I suspect more to do with my partner and her 3 teenage girls needing quality soak time), I thought I was reasonably safe in the shower.

Not any more.

There's a new gizmo called the Water Pebble that sits in the shower tray next to the plug hole and measures how long you're taking.

It uses traffic light colours to tell you when you've had long enough - basing its timings on your first shower and then systematically reducing your shower time each time you shower.

Looks like it's only sold in America but worth checking out if you're looking to reduce your hot water heating and water supply bills even further.

(Just don't tell the kids it can be reset!).

Check out the Water Pebble by clicking here.

photo credit: boliston