How To Save Money With A Water Meter - Part 1 Of 3
Environmental changes mean that the way we use water is fast changing. Even in Western Europe and other places where rainfall is common, users were allowed unlimited access. Since water needs energy to produce it (to filter, pump and control it), many countries are gradually installing meters to control and reduce consumption. If you are a small household, you can actually save a large percentage off your present water charge with this series of tips.
Top tip no. 1: When you use your hot tap, always fill a container until the water gets warm
You will be amazed at how much water needs to pass until it gets warm. Even with a modern combi-gas boiler, it still takes about a *bucket* load before the water gets warm. Assuming you have easy access to your toilet’s water cistern (the storage for your w.c’s water), tip it in there. Another option is to use it for washing, where it might get boiled anyway. A further option is to use it for your garden plants. You can even drink it, providing it has originated from your rising main (the direct pipe from your utility company), rather than being stored in a water tank somewhere in the house.
Top tip no. 2: Monitor your water usage
This is especially true when you have a new meter, new house or buy a second-hand house. I speak from experience - it was three months before I discovered our meter was leaking. Monitor the water usage from the outset by checking your meter’s reading - your water company might tell you what you expect to use depending on the number of people in your home. This is particularly important if the meter is outside the walls of your home (you should see leakage inside your home). If in doubt, the easiest way to check is to turn off all internal stopcocks (the taps controlling the water pipe(s) inside your home, thus allowing water to pass from your meter to the start of your pipes. If the meter dial is still turning, it suggests (a) a break in your supply pipe or (b) a fault at the meter. Get the water company out to investigate.
Top tip no. 3: Don’t run the cold tap for any length of time in the belief that the following water is fresher
This is waste - buy a kitchen water filter instead and fill that from the outset. If you’re in a hot country, you can leave your filter in the fridge already cooled.
In the next article, I will look at further cost and environmental savings.
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A musicologist by profession, Dr Scott writes two travel guides in his spare time. _Hidden Dublin_ contains over 200 unique pages, giving advice and tips of many aspects of his native Dublin (Ireland). _Hidden Italy_ is a more recent venture, offering an alternative look at regional Italy. He was awarded his PhD by the University of Durham, UK in 2005 and also holds the Associateship of the Royal College of Organists diploma.