Saving Water

Why do we need to save water?

Encouraging people to save water when the Island often endures some very wet weather conditions might not make sense to some of our customers. However when our rivers and reservoirs are full, it does not mean that the water in them is ready for consumption.

Before it arrives through the taps in your home it has to be treated at one of the two Authority's water treatment works located around the Island. It is then pumped to service reservoirs where it flows from to our customers taps. All this treatment and pumping processes uses chemicals and energy which can be reduced if we use less water.

Water Saving Devices

We also promote two other water saving measures to our customers, these are: ·

‘Save-A-Flush’ sachets in your toilet cistern. This will save one litre of water each time you flush. These sachets are available FREE from the Water Authority.
Installing a water butt to collect rainwater for your garden. The Authority runs a discount scheme during the summer in conjunction with local retailers, offering you a saving of £10 on the purchase of a water butt with a capacity of 200 litres or more. Download your voucher below.
If you are unsure as to how install a water butt, there are some step-by-step instructions below. We have also produced a leaflet detailing about water saving tips around the house and outdoors.

How to fit a water butt

1. Choose a downpipe that is not in a prominent position with plenty of room to stand a butt nearby.

2. Cut the downpipe at the desired height and fit a diverter.

3. Ensure the butt is on a stand or other firm base, ideally high enough above the ground to enable you to fit your watering can easily under the tap.

4. Make sure that whatever you stand the butt on is firm and will not sink into the ground when the water butt is full. Otherwise you risk upsetting the angle of the bypass diverters – causing them to overflow.

5. Finally, make sure your water butt has a secure, childproof lid. It will also prevent debris and mosquitoes from entering. Remember – plants prefer rain water to tap water so fit your butt today!

Remember - plants prefer rain water to tap water so fit your butt today!

Cutting leakage levels saves the Water Authority and inevitably the customer money, and most importantly conserves our water supplies.

In 1996 leakage levels were running at an average equivalent to 330 litres per property per day. By 1999 the Water Authority had formed a leakage team dedicated to locating and repairing leaks. As a direct result, the amount of water wasted through leaks has now been reduced to around 164 litres per household per day. Considerable effort has been applied to reducing that figure to a target figure of 150 litres per property per day.

The Water Authority’s dedicated Leakage Team, has achieved a 40% reduction in leakage from mains and service pipes and they continue to develop and implement a leakage strategy that has taken them to the forefront of the best performers in the British Isles.

In 2003, our Leakage Team won a Green Apple Environment Award and went to the House of Commons to collect their prize. These awards are part of an international campaign that recognises, rewards and promotes environmental best practice around the world.

The Island is divided into 67 District Meter Areas, each of which is monitored through large meters. Details from these meters are downloaded to the Authority's HQ for analysis.

Even with all this telemetry in place our customers are often the first to recognise a leak in the distribution system. Please report any leaks to the Water Authority on 695999.

Water is a precious resource, help us to save it.

Downloadable Documents