Brits waste £915MILLION every year by running the shower for minutes before getting in, research shows

Scottish Sun

26-05-2025

Taking shorter showers was found to be the most common strategy for reducing water use while washing
HOT WATER Brits waste £915MILLION every year by running the shower for minutes before getting in, research shows
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BRITS are wasting up to £915 million per year – by leaving the shower running before getting in.
A poll of 2,000 adults found they spend an average of 11 minutes under the water each day, sometimes for the sole reason of enjoying time to themselves.
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According to experts, running an 11-minute mixer shower means you will use around 132 litres of water, which typically requires 5.8 kWh of energy to heat it.
While running an electric shower for the same duration will use around 54 litres of water and requires 1.9 kWh of energy.
The study also revealed 43 per cent claim to regularly spend additional time in the shower – even though it only takes them a short amount of time to get clean.
But while 28 per cent regularly consider water wastage when rinsing, 21 per cent admit they never do.
It also emerged taking shorter showers topped the list of tactics taken to reduce water usage while washing (44 per cent).
This was followed by not showering every day (27 per cent), turning it off when doing another activity like brushing teeth (27 per cent), and fixing drips and leaks immediately (19 per cent).
Daniel Lintell, sustainability manager at Triton Showers, which provides hints and tips around water and energy consumption, specifically tailored to each household, said: "It can be easy to take a shower for longer than you actually need to, and many actually cherish this moment of peace when they can be by themselves during a busy day.
'The feeling of getting clean after a long day can't be beaten – but it's important to think about the impact you're having when you're in the shower.
'Finding alternative approaches to getting those few minutes of peace could be a valuable way to make sure you're doing your bit for the planet, your pocket, and yourself.
'If reducing your time spent in the shower isn't feasible – or you simply enjoy spending time there – then consider water-conserving tactics like fitting a flow regulator to a mixer shower, turning down the water flow when lathering, or using an electric shower.'
The study also found 25 per cent listen to music while they shower, while 10 per cent prefer enjoying the backdrop of a podcast.
While 11 per cent admitted enjoying the peace and quiet away from their busy household, and 16 per cent use their time in the shower to think something through.
The average person showers five times a week – with 12 per cent even claiming they shower more than once a day in a typical week.
But they run the shower for just under a minute and a half before getting in – which adds up to an average of seven minutes a week of wasted water.
Half (51 per cent) also claimed to wash their hair a few times a week, with 21 per cent doing so every day.
However, a forgetful 17 per cent even admitted to not always remembering to turn the shower off after they use it, according to OnePoll.com data.
Despite this, 81 per cent see themselves as environmentally conscious, with 97 per cent partaking in other eco-friendly practices – such as recycling (72 per cent), taking their own bags to the shop (66 per cent) and using energy-saving lightbulbs (55 per cent).
And 61 per cent believe wasting water has a negative impact on the environment.
Although, a third only had a rough idea – or less – about the amount of money they are washing down the drain with each shower.
But 48 per cent cited saving money as the main thing that could motivate them to take shorter showers.
Triton Showers' spokesperson added: 'As well as the environmental impact of water waste, I'd encourage shower users to think about the money they could be saving.
'The average shower currently costs the billpayer around 6p a minute – it all adds up over time, and by taking shorter showers and not leaving it running before or after you wash, you could be turning those pennies into precious pounds.'