Reducing Water Wastage in the UK

Washing machines use about 14 per cent of the water we use at home. New washing machines are much more water and energy efficient than they used to be. A new machine uses about half the water and energy of the average 10-year-old machine. Many of the most efficient washing machines now use less than 50 litres of water per wash.

Ownership
• Washing machine ownership has risen from 75% in 1977 to 95% in 2006.
• In 1977 a third of washing machines were top loaders or twin-tubs. This type of washing machine has almost disappeared now.
• The average age of washing machines is 7 years.

Usage
• Washing machine use has risen by 23% in the past 15 years, up from 3 times a week in 1990 to an average of 4 times a week per household today.

Efficiency
• The average water efficiency of a washing machine has doubled, partly due to the disappearance of top loaders. In the past 5 years there has been a 10% increase in water efficiency.
• The washing machine half-load option is used 20% of the time.
• Many machines now incorporate fuzzy logic to add a degree of "intelligence". Typically, the machine will add enough water to help match the size and absorbency of the load and some will check for suds to see if an extra rinse cycle is required. Future innovations may include ultrasonic agitation and reuse of rinse water. 

When buying a washing machine you should try to:
• Choose a washing machine with an eco setting.
• Look at the water consumption figure at the bottom of the energy rating sticker. But remember, in order to compare it fairly with other machines, you need to divide this figure by the number of KGs of dry clothing the machine washes in one full load.

To help you make your decision in purchasing a new washing machine, Waterwise has compiled a ranking of the most water efficient washing machines.