Families across England and Wales are being encouraged to start reusing household 'grey' water in a direct effort to combat steeply rising water charges. This practical advice emerges as the financial pressure on households intensifies, with the average annual bill having increased by £86 over the past year.
The Rising Tide of Water Costs
Regulator Ofwat has confirmed the significant hike in charges, which comes after water companies were granted permission to raise bills annually. This is part of a plan to fund a colossal £104 billion upgrade of the nation's water infrastructure. The incremental increases are projected to see average bills reach approximately £597 by 2030.
Consumer advocates have voiced strong concerns, labelling the inflated charges as bordering on "extortionate" and warning they exceed what many budgets can comfortably bear. For customers on fixed tariffs, these surges are particularly difficult to avoid, leaving many searching for ways to reduce their usage and expenditure.
How Grey Water Can Ease the Pinch
For the millions of homes with a water metre, reducing consumption is the most effective route to lower bills. Plumbing expert Mike Flook from MyBuilder.com advocates a strategic shift: reusing 'grey' water. This term refers to all waste water from domestic sources except toilets, encompassing used water from baths, showers, sinks, and washing machines.
"It's all too simple to just let used water run down the plughole, but it's extremely wasteful as much of it can be used for other purposes," Mr Flook advises. "Bath water, cooking water, or excess water used for cleaning can be used around the garden or for your lawn."
Practical Tips and Important Warnings
This water, which contains traces of soap, detergent, and food residues, is perfectly suitable for watering non-edible plants, lawns, or even for flushing toilets. However, it is crucial never to use it on edible crops like vegetables, fruit, or herbs due to potential contamination.
The potential savings and environmental benefit are substantial. A typical four-person household generates around 360 litres of greywater each day (90 litres per person). Repurposing even a portion of this can lead to meaningful reductions in both water bills and overall household waste.
Adopting this simple practice presents a dual win: easing the strain on family finances during a cost-of-living crisis while also taking a positive step for the planet by conserving a vital resource.
