We all need to think more about saving water. Prolonged dry weather across the UK - combined with two summer heatwaves - have depleted rivers, reservoirs and aquifers.
Today (August 15), it was announced a hosepipe ban will start in Cornwall for the first time in 26 years. The ban will begin on August 23, with South West Water saying it had been "left with no other choice" to "protect our precious water".
It follows hosepipe bans by Southern Water in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and by South East Water in Kent and Sussex. And last week, eight parts of England, including Devon, Kent, East Anglia and Lincolnshire, were officially declared as being in drought.
The Environment Agency is urging people to use water wisely. There are a number of things you can do to save water - and in turn money - at home. Have a look at these top tips from the Energy Saving Trust.
Snub the tub
If everybody in a family of four replaces one bath a week with a five-minute shower, up to around £10 a year could be saved on gas bills and up to around £10 on water bills (if they have a water meter).
Change your head
Replacing a shower head with a water-efficient one could save a four-person household as much as around £40 a year on gas for water heating, as well as around a further £55 a year on water bills (if they have a water meter).
Shorten your shower
Spending one minute less in the shower each day will save up to around £10 a year off your energy bills, per person.
Turn it off
A running tap wastes more than five litres of water a minute, so turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face. Use cold water if you don't need hot.
Don't be a drip
A dripping tap can waste more than 5,300 litres of water a year, so make sure your taps are properly turned off and change washers promptly when taps start to drip.
Fill 'em up!
Make sure that dishwashers and washing machines are full before you use them, and ensure you always use the most efficient water and energy settings. Wash at 30 degrees or use the ECO setting if your machine has one.
Suds' law
Using a bowl to wash up rather than a running tap can save you money on your energy and water bills if you have a water meter. In fact, you only need to run a typical tap for 95 seconds to fill up a washing up bowl.
Careful with your cuppa
When making a cup of tea or coffee, only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. You'll not only save water, but could also cut a few pounds a year off your energy bill.
