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INTRODUCTION << HOMES << WATER >> STUFF >> TRAVEL >> FOOD >> COMMUNITY
We need water for drinking, washing, cooking and growing food. In the UK our water is clean enough to drink even though most of it is used outside the kitchen, yet there are parts of the world where even drinking water isn’t clean. How can we use this precious resource wisely?
Southern Water is encouraging everyone to “reduce the amount of water they use from 127 litres per person, per day to 100 by 2045”. We believe it’s possible to do much better, much earlier!
WATER-SAVING TIPS
Simple methods like those below will save water and money. Using less hot water also saves the energy costs of heating it.
Run your washing machine with full loads.
Only boil as much water as you need.
Wash the car with a bucket and sponge – or let the rain do it!
Fit a flush saving device (or a brick!) in your cistern.
Collect shower water in a bucket and use to flush the loo.
Reuse bath or shower water to water non-edible plants.
Fit water butts.
Mulch flowerbeds to reduce water loss.
If you’d like to do more, you can find information about saving water through rainwater harvesting at Southampton’s local Superhome (well water for toilet and rainwater for washing machine) https://superhomes.org.uk/homes/j-adrian-pickering/
Also see our blog about installing a rainwater flushing system at https://transitionsouthampton.org/category/blog/
Find out more about water saving at https://waterwise.org.uk/
how-to-save-water
VIRTUAL WATER
The water in our home and garden is only 10% of the water we use. The rest is ‘virtual’ or ‘embedded water used to grow the food we eat and make the things we buy. Globally, we are using water at an unsustainable rate and many parts of the world are running out. The ‘water footprints’ of everyday items like clothes and electronics are complex to work out, so the best way we can reduce this aspect of our water use is to buy fewer new things!
FLOOD PROTECTION
Southampton is a coastal city and at risk from sea level rise and flooding. Southampton City Council flooding advice: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/environment/emergencies-and-severe-weather/flood-risk-management
Water needs to be able to drain away to reduce flood risk – it can do this better through vegetation or gravel over a permeable membrane than through tarmac and paving.
National Flood Forum (national charity dedicated to supporting and representing communities and individuals at risk of flooding) https://nationalfloodforum.org.uk/
Environment Agency floodline (public information service providing current flood alerts and warnings and flood advice) 0845 988 1188 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
SEWAGE
Everything that goes down your toilet, sinks and shower ends up via the sewage treatment works in our waterways. ‘Flushable’ may only mean an item passes the U-bend of a toilet. Wet wipes, nappies and oil can form costly ‘fat bergs’ in our sewers; they should go in the bin. Using eco-friendly washing and laundry products also helps. Catch plastic microfibres from washing synthetic-fibre clothes using a microfibre filter at your washing machine outlet (e.g. https://www.gulp.online/ or https://planetcare.org/?pb=0) or using a special laundry bag e.g. Guppyfriend https://en.guppyfriend.com/
Sewage outflows into watercourses happen when too much rain overwhelms the sewage system. If rainwater from your gutters goes into the main sewer you can help by fitting a ‘leaky’ water butt to slow the flow. (If it doesn’t, you may be eligible for a reduced water bill.)
Road drains go straight to our waterways so never put anything other than water down these.
Friends of Itchen Estuary are working hard to persuade Southern Water to do more, including through citizen science. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1619554158560135/ or email friendsofitchenestuary[at]gmail[dot]com
Southern Water publishes near-real time information on sewage releases, but only for coastal waters, not Southampton’s rivers https://www.southernwater.co.uk/our-region/clean-rivers-and-seas-task-force/rivers-and-seas-watch/
OUR WATERWAYS
Southampton is a marine city with a river at its heart and there are many places where you can enjoy our waterside. The city’s Greenways are ribbons of open space that follow stream valleys, offering green corridors for wildlife and pleasant walks for humans. https://www.southampton.gov.uk/people-places/parks-open-spaces
Chessel Bay Local Nature Reserve is of great wildlife importance. At low tide, the mudflats provide major feeding grounds for wading birds and wildfowl. https://www.chesselbay.org.uk/
Help look after our green spaces by joining a volunteer group, e.g.
Friends of Weston Shore https://westonshore.wordpress.com/
Friends of Riverside Park https://friendsofriversidepark.org.uk/
Friends of Freemantle Lake Park https://www.facebook.com/groups/155030348372433
Friends of Chessel Bay chesselbayfriends[at]gmail[dot]com
More groups in COMMUNITY section below, or search for Friends Parks Groups at https://www.southampton.gov.uk/
Redbridge Wharf Park is a lovely litte park reached only via Redbridge rail station
Our Station Walks book offers water-themed walks starting from local rail stations. Copies available at October Books.
Links to other sections:
INTRODUCTION << HOMES << WATER >> STUFF >> TRAVEL >> FOOD >> COMMUNITY