Latest news with #WaterAid
The Sun
23-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Three genius ways to reduce water usage and bring down your bills
EVER rising water bills are becoming a drain on household's finances. But there are some useful ways to reduce your water usage and bring down your bills. 7 WASTE LESS: Before you do anything else, fix any leaks such as a dripping tap. Then, look at how you can use less. Showers use the most water, so set a time limit of four minutes. To help you stick to it, search for 'four-minute shower hits' on Spotify and the playlist from charity WaterAid. Also, get yourself a water-saving shower head, from £10, and turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. In the kitchen, always use dishwashers and washing machines on eco mode. NO-HOSE SAVINGS: Instead of using a hose, target plants in need with water from a can instead. Wash fruit and vegetables in a filled washing-up bowl instead of running the tap and then use the leftover water in your garden. Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. If you've been meaning to set up a water butt or barrel to collect rainwater, don't put it off any longer. BILL BUSTERS: You can't change your water company, but there are ways to get extra help. Check your bill to see if you are on a water meter and, if not, it's free to switch to one. How to cut energy costs and get help with FOUR key household bills Generally, if there are fewer people living in your home than bedrooms, a meter could save you money. Use the Consumer Council for Water's calculator at to see how much you'd pay if you had a meter installed. If you receive certain benefits and need to use a high amount of water, you might qualify for the WaterSure scheme, which caps your bill if you have certain medical conditions or three or more children under 19. If you're a low earner in England and Wales, you could apply for your water company's cheaper social tariff. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. DEAL OF THE DAY THERE'S no need to scrimp on holiday packing with the Radley spring floral four-wheel large suitcase from John Lewis, down from £199 to £99.50. ENJOY four Gu frozen clotted cream & chocolate crunch sundaes for £3.75 with a Tesco Clubcard, down from £5.50, in glass ramekins you can reuse. TOP SWAP 7 7 FOR a green, green glass at home, take a look at the Hollis set of four, £26 from Next, or pour your tipple into the green Scallop glasses set from Asda, £12. SAVE: £14 Shop & save 7 BUILD imagination one block at a time with the 60-piece Mega Bloks big building bag at The Entertainer, down from £15.99 to £7.99. SAVE: £8 PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
The Guardian
16-04-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Snub the tub and buy a butt: nine ways to cut your water bill
If you live in England or Wales, your home has more bedrooms than people and you are not already metered, then switching to a water meter could save you hundreds of pounds each year. You may be able to figure out whether a meter could save you money by using online calculators on your water company's website. The water consumer group CCW also has one on its site. If unsure, you can always call your provider and ask for advice. It can review your usage and compare it with how much you are likely to pay if metered. It is free to have a meter installed but you have to apply through your provider's website or give the company a call. In Scotland, you will be charged the labour costs for installing a meter, so staying with fixed payments may be the better option. If you do not have a meter, you will probably pay for your water with your council tax. A council tax reduction could mean you also get up to 35% off water and waste. If you cannot get a meter in England or Wales, you may be eligible for an assessed charge, which is based on factors such as the size of your property and the number of people in it. You can also apply for a social tariff. If you are unhappy with the water company's decision or billing in England and Wales, you can make a complaint to the water redress scheme (WATRS). Cutting the time you spend showering to four minutes or less could save more than 50 litres of water compared with an eight-minute shower, which adds up if you are on a meter. To help track the time you could make a playlist of your favourite four-minute songs, or use Water Aid's Spotify one. Beyoncé's Run the World (Girls) comes in at 3:55. A lot of 80s hits also fit the four-minute bill. When the song starts to wind down, you will know time is nearly up and the bubbles must come off. Bonus points if it is a song about water or washing. You could still be wasting a lot of water by using an inefficient shower head. A standard version uses 10-15 litres a minute, compared with about six litres a minute for a water-saving one. It works by reducing the amount of water that flows through it using restrictors or aerators, which mix air and water to create a misty spray that feels like a full-flow shower. This allows you to use less water without sacrificing shower pressure, and can save a lot of money in the long run. Even if you are not on a water meter and are paying a fixed rate, changing your shower head can also help to lower your energy bills because it reduces the amount of water that needs to be heated. Similarly, consider reducing the number of baths you take. If you love a soak, this will not be welcome news: a typical bath uses about 80 litres of water, about double the water used in a six-minute shower. You do not have to cut out baths entirely, but taking fewer of them could help you save over time. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that swapping one bath a week for a four-minute shower could save you £9 a year on energy bills. Do not leave the tap running while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or doing the dishes. This also applies when applying soap, shampoo, or shower gel in the shower. A running tap can waste more than 6 litres of water a minute, according to the industry body Water UK. That is about 24 litres of water wasted every day from just brushing your teeth twice a day. If you spend 10 minutes washing up, that adds up to 60 litres of water. Instead, fill up a washing-up bowl with soapy water. If you need to rinse utensils or wash vegetables, use cold water if possible and when you are finished use it to water your plants. You could also fit a tap aerator. This small device attaches to the spout and mixes air with the water, making the water feel fuller and more forceful, even though less of it is actually being used. It could save you about £16 a year in water if you are on a meter, plus an additional £19 on energy from reduced heating costs, according to the Energy Saving Trust. Modern toilets, such as low-flow models, typically use about 4.5 litres of water a flush, compared with older ones that can use up to 13 litres or more. Dual-flush toilets offer a lower-water option for liquid waste (about 3 litres) and a higher-water one for solid waste (about 6 litres). Some high-efficiency toilets use even less water. Fitting a new toilet is not cheap, so instead you could get a cistern displacement device, which sits your toilet cistern and saves you about 1-2 litres every flush. A dripping tap or running toilet can waste up to 400 litres of water a day. Some water companies such as Yorkshire Water offer free leak-detection services and may even repair them at no cost. You can also buy dye tablets that you put in a cistern to check toilet leaks. According to the UK housebuilder Barratt Redrow, fixing leaks can save a household up to £519 a year, making it an easy and effective way to reduce your costs and conserve resources. Instead of running your dishwasher or washing machine half-full, wait until you have enough for a full load. The average washing machine uses 50 litres on a normal cycle. Wessex Water estimates that cutting out two washes a week could save you about £50 a year on water and energy bills. Dishwashers are generally more water-efficient than handwashing dishes, using about 9.5 litres of water per full cycle. Opt for eco-friendly cycles and use lower temperature settings for washing. Regular maintenance of your washing machine and dishwasher also ensures they run efficiently. Cleaning filters and checking for leaks can prevent them from using more power than necessary. If your appliances are outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient models – which are designed to be water-saving – can further reduce bills. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term savings on energy and water make it a wise investment. If you have a garden or balcony, collecting rainwater for watering plants or washing your car can help to reduce water use. As it rains quite a lot in the UK, you probably will not have to wait long before it is full. You can pick up a 210-litre water butt from B&Q for about £40; a balcony-friendly 100-litre model costs about £35.
The Independent
28-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
The King's ‘workaholic' two weeks before cancer treatment side effects
The King has cancelled engagements on Friday after a 'short period of observation in hospital' due to 'temporary side effects' from his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace said that after 'scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer' on Thursday morning, the King 'experienced temporary side effects'. Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February 2024 and returned to public-facing duties in April despite still undergoing weekly treatment. It is understood the side effects, of which specifics have not been disclosed, were temporary and not uncommon with many medical treatments. He travelled to and from the hospital by car and was not joined by the Queen during his brief stay. A source described it as a 'most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction'. The King is said to be on good form at home in Clarence House where is working on state papers and making calls from his study. Charles, who is known for being a workaholic, is said to have thrived on carrying out public and state duties in recent months, seeing them as being of great benefit to his overall wellbeing. Here are the King's most high-profile official engagements from the last two weeks: – Thursday March 13, London The King held a WaterAid reception at Buckingham Palace with guests including fitness influencer Joe Wicks who said he would 'love to know' the King's fitness routine. – Monday March 17, London The King met the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the royal residence in London. He told Mr Carney 'it's a great treat to see you again' as he welcomed him in the 1844 Room. – Wednesday March 19, Belfast After arriving in Northern Ireland, the King and Queen were greeted by sea shanties and acrobatics in Belfast's Commercial Court where they met members of the public. The King then visited the Newforge sports complex in Belfast where he gave a speech paying tribute to the police and thanking them for their work. – Thursday March 20, Limavady The King and Queen visited an arable farm near Limavady in Northern Ireland. Charles was presented with an oak sapling while Camilla helped cook steak using the farm's oil produce. – Thursday March 20, Hillsborough The King met young people taking part in Co-operation Ireland's future leaders programme at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, his official residence in Northern Ireland. – Thursday March 20, Coleraine In his final stop in the north west of Northern Ireland, the King visited Ulster University's campus in Coleraine. Here he learned about ground-breaking research that scientists are conducting into cancer therapies. – Friday March 21, Banbridge At the final stop of the Northern Ireland tour, the King met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers in Banbridge. Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as he arrived with the Queen. – Monday March 24, London The King met the UK and France's top military leaders at Windsor Castle. Charles, who is head of the British armed forces, held an audience with the joint chiefs of staff from both countries. – Tuesday March 25, London At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King knighted a number of notable figures including actor Sir Stephen Fry who said he was 'chuffed to the heavens'. Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, a Second World War veteran and novelist Alan Hollinghurst were all also knighted by Charles at the ceremony. – Tuesday March 25, London The King attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Clarence House. Camilla unveiled the Queen's Reading Room Medal, which will be awarded annually to people who support storytelling in their local communities. The King then attended the annual Butler Trust Awards ceremony alongside the Princess Royal at St James's Palace in central London. The King's sister presented the awards to outstanding people working in prisons, probation and youth justice across the UK. – Wednesday March 26, London The King attended an exhibition celebrating the power and potential of soil at Somerset House. Curators Of The Soil: The World At Our Feet exhibition praised his 'incredible sense of curiosity' as he toured the exhibition. The King and Queen then in the evening hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. – Thursday March 27, London The King was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations on Thursday afternoon. This was cancelled as he visited the London Clinic due to temporary side effects of his cancer treatment. – Friday March 28, Birmingham The King was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday but these have been rescheduled under medical advice.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The King's busy fortnight as he cancels Friday engagements after hospital stay
The King has cancelled engagements on Friday after a 'short period of observation in hospital' due to 'temporary side effects' from his cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace said that after 'scheduled and ongoing medical treatment for cancer' on Thursday morning, the King 'experienced temporary side effects'. 'His Majesty's afternoon engagements were therefore postponed,' the statement added. Charles, who is known for being a workaholic, is said to have thrived on carrying out public and state duties in recent months, seeing them as being of great benefit to his overall wellbeing. Here are the King's most high-profile official engagements from the last two weeks: – Thursday March 13, London The King held a WaterAid reception at Buckingham Palace with guests including fitness influencer Joe Wicks who said he would 'love to know' the King's fitness routine. – Monday March 17, London The King met the new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the royal residence in London. He told Mr Carney 'it's a great treat to see you again' as he welcomed him in the 1844 Room. – Wednesday March 19, Belfast After arriving in Northern Ireland, the King and Queen were greeted by sea shanties and acrobatics in Belfast's Commercial Court where they met members of the public. The King then visited the Newforge sports complex in Belfast where he gave a speech paying tribute to the police and thanking them for their work. – Thursday March 20, Limavady The King and Queen visited an arable farm near Limavady in Northern Ireland. Charles was presented with an oak sapling while Camilla helped cook steak using the farm's oil produce. – Thursday March 20, Hillsborough The King met young people taking part in Co-operation Ireland's future leaders programme at Hillsborough Castle in Co Down, his official residence in Northern Ireland. – Thursday March 20, Coleraine In his final stop in the north west of Northern Ireland, the King visited Ulster University's campus in Coleraine. Here he learned about ground-breaking research that scientists are conducting into cancer therapies. – Friday March 21, Banbridge At the final stop of the Northern Ireland tour, the King met representatives from the Game Of Thrones experience, the owner of a gift shop, local bakers and linen makers in Banbridge. Two ukulele bands, from Banbridge and Lisburn, played Rockin' All Over The World as he arrived with the Queen. – Monday March 24, London The King met the UK and France's top military leaders at Windsor Castle. Charles, who is head of the British armed forces, held an audience with the joint chiefs of staff from both countries. – Tuesday March 25, London At an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle, the King knighted a number of notable figures including actor Sir Stephen Fry who said he was 'chuffed to the heavens'. Athlete Dina Asher-Smith, a Second World War veteran and novelist Alan Hollinghurst were all also knighted by Charles at the ceremony. – Tuesday March 25, London The King attended a reception hosted by the Queen at Clarence House. Camilla unveiled the Queen's Reading Room Medal, which will be awarded annually to people who support storytelling in their local communities. The King then attended the annual Butler Trust Awards ceremony alongside the Princess Royal at St James's Palace in central London. The King's sister presented the awards to outstanding people working in prisons, probation and youth justice across the UK. – Wednesday March 26, London The King attended an exhibition celebrating the power and potential of soil at Somerset House. Curators Of The Soil: The World At Our Feet exhibition praised his 'incredible sense of curiosity' as he toured the exhibition. The King and Queen then in the evening hosted 400 guests from various UK news organisations at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to show support for local news. Charles was welcomed by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and a gathering of leading media professionals, including Tony James, 89, thought to be the UK's oldest working journalist. – Thursday March 27, London The King was due to receive credentials from the ambassadors of three different nations on Thursday afternoon. This was cancelled as he visited the London Clinic due to temporary side effects of his cancer treatment. – Friday March 28, Birmingham The King was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham on Friday but these have been rescheduled under medical advice.
Morocco World
27-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
King Charles III Hosts Morocco's Leila Benali in London
Rabat – United Kingdom's King Charles III welcomed Leila Benali, Morocco's Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, at a high-level meeting in London that focused on water security in the context of climate change and sustainability. This event highlighted the strong relationship between Morocco and the United Kingdom, with both countries sharing a sharp interest in environmental and climate issues. During her speech, Minister Benali shared Morocco's approach to managing natural resources sustainably under what she described as the visionary leadership of King Mohammed VI. Benali talked about Morocco's leadership in addressing climate change and achieving Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the country's focus on environmental sustainability as a key part of its development plan. She also mentioned that water security is a top priority for Morocco, especially given the country's climate challenges. In particular, the minister highlighted projects like the 'Water Highways' as innovative solutions to water scarcity. Morocco was the only North African country invited to the meeting, which was organized by the non-governmental group WaterAid, with King Charles III's support. The discussion included ministers and international organizations exploring ways to improve water management and help vulnerable populations deal with the impacts of climate change. Launched in 2023, the Water Highway is a project that links the Oued Sebou River to link the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam, near Rabat. The ambitious project is one of many undertaken in recent years to tackle water scarcity, with desalination becoming a primary focus of state projects. Morocco witnessed important rainfalls in recent weeks, which provided a much needed boost to water reserves; however, some dams still remain below capacity. The country has braved six harsh years of drought, which recently led King Mohammed VI to the rare, historic cancelling of Eid Al-Adha sacrifice.
