Water is always worth saving

Why water is always worth saving

Saving water helps protect a precious resource

Scotland may have a rainy reputation, but did you know that less than 1% of rainwater falls somewhere Scottish Water can access?

During dry weather, water reserves can drop quickly, putting pressure on local supplies. Climate change is making this more important than ever as warmer, drier summers are becoming more common. Recent years have already seen water alerts and unusually dry conditions across parts of Scotland. 

This means that water is an increasingly precious resource. By preventing water waste, we can ensure that there’s enough for everyone – whatever the weather. 

Saving water reduces carbon emissions, helping our environment

Saving water also helps tackle climate change. Every time you use water, it needs energy to treat it, clean it and pump it to your home - and then heat it if you’re using hot water.

It’s easy to reduce the amount of water wasted in the home, which will help to cut Scotland’s carbon emissions, protecting our environment.

• Turn off taps when brushing your teeth.
• Fix dripping taps and leaky loos.
• Use a water butt to collect rainwater for the garden. 
• Swap hoses for buckets or watering cans outdoors.

Saving water helps you save energy and cut bills

Around one fifth of a household’s energy use goes on heating water for showers, baths, laundry and washing up, so it quickly adds up. 

In other words, the less hot water you use, the less energy you need, helping to lower your energy bills. You don’t need to make big changes to do this - making small changes add up to make a big difference. For example:

• Putting the kettle on? You can save £10 a year by only filling the kettle with as much as you need (1).
• Wash your laundry at 30 degrees if you can – it will use around 57% less electricity than washing at higher temperatures, and you could save £13 a year (2). Always run a full load to reduce the number of times you need to put your washing machine on.
• Take shorter showers – spend just one minute less in the shower, and you could save £30 a year (3).

Individually, these actions may seem small, but together they can add up to saving thousands of litres of water.

Get free advice on how to save water and energy at home

Home Energy Scotland is working in partnership with Scottish Water to help households save water. You could also be eligible for free water-saving devices to help you cut your water waste.*

If you’d like free, tailored advice on how to conserve water and save energy at home, contact us today.

(1) Assumes all over boiling can be avoided, or the use of an eco-kettle. Savings are correct as of July 2025 and assume a standard electricity tariff of 26p/kWh.
(2) Based on a three-bed, semi-detached gas heated house. Savings are correct as of July 2025 and assume a standard electricity tariff of 26p/kWh and gas price of 6p/kWh.
(3) Based on 4-person household in Great Britain. Savings are correct as of July 2025 and assume a standard electricity tariff of 26p/kWh and gas price of 6p/kWh.

*Water-saving devices are subject to suitability and availability.