| Washing up |
|
|
Kitchen taps vary tremendously in flow volume, from 2-25 litres per minute(2), and behaviours such as how much you twist the tap and for how long you leave it on influence how much water is used when you wash up. For example, washing up under a running tap can use dozens of litres of water, but if you use a washing up bowl or plug-up your sink then you can reduce water wastage by 50 percent or more! A common misconception is that dishwashers use more water; in fact, these machines can be water savers – if used wisely. In the 1970s, dishwashers used as much as 50 litres per cycle(3), but modern models can use as little as 10 litres – sometimes even less than washing up by hand. If you are thinking about buying a new dishwasher, you can refer to our rankings for guidance on which models are the most water efficient. Quick tips to reduce water wastage in the kitchen • Consider installing a water efficient tap or a tap aerator – aerators in particular are cheap and simple quick fixes that you can do yourself. • Turn that tap off! When washing up by hand, either use a washing up bowl or make sure to plug your sink. The same goes for washing fruit and veg, and your hands. • Use a washing up bowl instead of washing under a running tap. A washing up bowls is an inexpensive and quick buy that will help you cut down on water wastage. • Try to avoid thawing frozen foods under running water. Use the microwave instead or, even better, try to prepare the night before. • Fix leaky taps. They waste awful amounts of water! Make sure you check taps regularly and replace worn washers as soon as possible. Also, make sure to check kitchen pipes and the dishwasher hose for any leaks. • Keep a jug of water in the fridge so that you don’t have to run the tap for ages while waiting for cold water to flow. • Avoid installing a waste macerator in your kitchen sink because these require lots of water to operate properly. Instead, dispose of food waste in a compost pile or wormery. If you don’t have a garden, ask a neighbour with a garden/allotment if they would be interested in starting a compost heap with you, contact your local council to find out if there are community composting schemes, or start a wormery in your kitchen. • If you are thinking about buying your first dishwasher, or are simply replacing an old one, make sure to buy a water efficient model. See our rankings for guidance, and ask your local retailer for more info. • When using your dishwasher, make sure to use a full load every time. Use the half load option if appropriate, but remember that two half loads still use more water than one full load. • Become familiar with your dishwasher’s cycle options. Many settings provide the same cleaning power as a normal cycle, but with less water and energy. Check your user manual for the water consumption of other settings; if this is not provided, contact the manufacturer. Most modern dishwashers are so effective that you don't even have to pre-rinse! • Many local councils ask that you wash your tins before placing them in the recycling bin. If you have to do this, use leftover water from washing up or cooking so that you’re not wasting clean, drinkable water on items for disposal. For further info Check out our Clothes Washing section View our dishwasher rankings Contact us References 1 – The percentage attributed to kitchen tap and dishwasher varies by source. Based on an amalgamation of information from water companies, WRc and UKWIR, Waterwise estimate that washing up accounts for about 8 percent and other kitchen uses 4 percent. The Market Transformation Programme attributes 14 percent of domestic water use to dishwashers and kitchen taps. 2 – Kitchen tap flows vary significantly, depending on technology, pressure, and use. Waterwise have seen kitchen taps with flow rates as low as 3 or 4 litres, up to 12 or 13. WRc Indentiflow data indicates that the average internal tap flow is 3.54 litres per minutes (see http://www.mtprog.com/ApprovedBriefingNotes/PDF/MTP_BNDWTap_2008March28.pdf). 3 – According to manufacturers’ historical information. |
