Tips for saving water as NI's warm weather spell to continue
It comes in time for Water Saving Week, an initiative designed to raise awareness and discourages waste, which runs from May 12 to 16.
NI Water education officer Anna Killen said there's no better time to dust off old habits and create some new ones that benefit the environment and customer's pockets.
'It's important we all play our part in protecting future water supplies that may come under pressure because of our changing climate and population growth,' she said.
'As the warmer weather continues demands on water supplies will naturally increase but with a few simple changes, customers can save hundreds of litres of water which in turn will benefit the environment and save you money.
'The Get Water Fit app www.getwaterfit.com is a good way to start thinking how much water you are using each day and how you can reduce your usage.
'Whether you are washing your hands, cleaning dishes or getting through that mountain of washing, you start to realise just how important water is and the sheer amount we use'.
News Catch Up - Monday 12 May
Ms Killen said 'it's amazing to think that every day each person uses around 170 litres of water' in NI.
'With rising energy costs, it might be time to think about reducing the amount of time spent in the shower or the number of times you use your washing machine or dishwasher – hot water costs money,' she continued.
'It's really easy to save water and there are some simple things we can all do that can make a huge difference.'
The water provider shared 10 ways to cut usage this week as the warm spell continues:
Fill you kettle with the water you need, overfilling means more energy to heat it.
Turn of the tap when brushing your teeth, a running tap can use six litres of water a minute.
Shower for four minutes instead of longer to conserve water.
Use a bowl for washing vegetables, this water can be used to water plants.
Make full use of your washing machine and dryer, half loads use more than half the water used for a full load.
Keep a water jug in the fridge instead of letting it run cold before drinking. NI water recommends that this water is changed every day.
Fix you leaking taps. Dripping taps can waste more then 60 litres of water per week.
Use a watering can instead of a hose, a hose uses 500 litres of water an hour enough to fill 12 baths.
Use a water butt, this can use used to gather rain water for watering plants and washing cars.
Get an online water audit at www.getwaterfit.co.uk. Take part in facing challenges and receive free water saving items, such as four minute shower timers.
The mercury will begin to rise from Tuesday, which is predicted to be the warmest day of the year, with potential for even higher temperatures on Thursday.
According to Met Office Meteorologist Becky Mitchell both days have the potential to see highs above 24C — slightly warmer than the hottest day which was recorded on April 30.
'We've got some fairly warm weather coming up as we head through the next few days,' she said.
'We could potentially be close to the warmest day of the year so far, as we head through this week.
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