Why it matters 

Drinking water makes up a tiny fraction of water used in the UK – using kitchen appliances, having a shower, and flushing the toilet all counts towards our daily water use.

All of that water has a carbon footprint, as getting water to properties and treating sewage uses energy as it pumped around the system. Reducing water consumption across Nottingham is an important part of our carbon reduction plans. 

What we’re doing 

The council gained a Water Self-supply Licence in 2019 which allows us to purchase water directly from our wholesaler Severn Trent Water. This license allows us to monitor all our properties consumption, detect leaks and resolve swiftly, and ensure we are only being billed for what we use. The City Council is also implementing water efficiency measures via Water Efficiency Loan Scheme. We have introduced measures at our HQ site Loxley House and are putting together a pipeline of projects to aid our leisure centres and other properties reduce water with high efficiency showers, taps, and toilets.

We also share tips and advice to help citizens and businesses to reduce how much water they’re using alongside leak detection activities carried out. If you spot a leak in Nottinghamshire or the wider Severn Trent Water area, please use the online form to report at stwater.co.uk/reportaleak or telephone the Leakline number on 0800 783 4444. 

 In January 2024 Nottingham City Council backed the Motion for the Ocean at the recent Full Council meeting, which aims to improve the health of the ocean through better care of waterways. This makes Nottingham the biggest city in the UK to back the plan, and the furthest inland. You can find out more about the Motion for the Ocean on the Ocean Conservation Trust's website: Call a Motion for the Ocean - Ocean Conservation Trust

What can you do? 

Saving water is easy and many things you can do for free will also save you money on bills. Some good places to start are to:

🧺 Make sure appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers are full before running them, and use an eco setting where you can 

🥣 If you don't have a dishwasher, use an bowl and save the washing up until you have a bowl full

🌱 If you have a garden, use a water butt to collect rainwater and use it to water your plants

🚽 Use reduced flush when available on toilets

🚿 Take a shorter shower – we recommend 4 minutes and don't overfill baths

🚰 Ensure all taps and showers are fully switched off after use 

🦷 Switch the water off when brushing your teeth or lathering your hair

Severn Trent Water have loads of information and advice to help you save water and address any water quality issues you might experience. You may even be able to get some water saving freebies if you sign up to Get Water Fit. Find out more on their website: Get Water Fit | Save water | Wonderful on Tap | Severn Trent Water (stwater.co.uk)