27 August 2006: Waterwise Gardening Print
Waterwise encourages everybody to practice waterwise gardening even in areas without a drought or water restrictions. There are many ways to have a beautiful garden which uses very little water. Watering your garden with a watering can or using a drip irrigation system in areas without a hosepipe ban is the most efficient way of watering your garden. A hosepipe can use up to 18L/min so using it for just 30 minutes is the same as a household uses in one day.

Waterwise has been commissioned by the Government to review the current legislation covering hosepipe bans. Waterwise will look at putting the emphasis on reducing waste not use. Other water restrictions legislation throughout the world allow the watering of gardens even in times of severe drought. For example the Australian model of water restrictions allows the watering of gardens through drip irrigation, before 10am and after 4pm on two days a week.

‘This type of restriction on water use, allows for sensible waterwise gardening, whilst still conserving our precious supply.’ says Jacob Tompkins, Director of Waterwise, ‘By increasing the awareness of the need to save water and putting sensible restrictions on the way people use their water we can ensure the future of our water supply. By practicing waterwise gardening, people can still have a beautiful, living garden even in times of extreme drought.’

There are many simple things we can do in our gardens to save water, money and the environment. Here are some ways to be water efficient in your garden:

  • Use a water butt to collect the rainwater from your roof, rather than wasting treated drinking water on your garden.
  • Use a watering can to water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening, when evaporation levels are at a minimum.
  • Think about choosing drought resistant bedding and perennial plants like African or French marigolds, petunias, geraniums, campanula or heuchera.
  • Use mulch to reduce evaporation by up to 70%
  • If you need a watering system install a drip irrigation system (if you live in an area without water restrictions)
  • Use water saving crystals which expand and hold the water in your soil when you water it and when it rains.
  • Don’t waste water by using a hosepipe to clean your paths, patios and driveways. Use a broom, rake or outdoor blower or vacuum instead.
  • Try not to cut lawns too short. When mowing, cut only the top third of the leaf area, leaving it three centimetres or higher. Reduce water loss even further by saving your lawn clippings to use as mulch on your lawn or garden.
  • Regularly check your outdoor taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures for leaks. Just one dripping tap can waste 2,000 litres a month.
  • It's best to water the roots and soil around plants rather than spraying the leaves and flowers.

Notes to Editors

1. Waterwise is a UK NGO focused on decreasing water consumption in the UK within 5 years and building an evidence base for large-scale water efficiency. Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit organization that receives some funding from the UK water industry. Waterwise is part of the Water Saving Group, a ministerially-led group which brings together key water industry stakeholders to promote the efficient use of water in households. Other members include Defra, DCLG, the Environment Agency, Ofwat, representatives of the water companies, Water UK, and the Consumer Council for Water.

2. For more information please visit www.waterwise.org.uk


Contacts:
Chris Philpot
Media and Campaigns Manager, Waterwise
020 7957 4615
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