Why you need a water butt

A water butt will save you water, save you money and save the planet.

If every household in the UK got a standard sized water butt this would save approximately 30,000 million litres of water each summer. That’s enough to fill Bewl water reservoir, the one that ran on empty in the hot summer of 2006.

Water is often taken for granted these days.

Every time we turn on the tap or flush the toilet, we all expect a plentiful supply of water.

The impact of climate change and the ever rising demand for water is putting a massive strain on our water supply. We need to cut down on our water usage before it is too late.

Water butts conserve this precious asset. You can save money and help out both the future of your family and the environment by using a water butt. It is increasingly important that we use our water efficiently and for a brighter future.

Changes in our lifestyle and technology mean that we are using a lot more water than ever before. Increased use of dishwashers, power showers and washing machines are pushing our water supplies to the limit.

Using ways of saving water now, such as a water butt, will become a way of life for the future.

Here are some interesting points to think about while considering the value of a water butt:

Plants prefer rainwater

Rainwater is better for your garden as it has a balanced Ph level and is free of chemicals that your plants dislike, such as chlorine.

Reduce summer water usage

7% of the total water that we consume in the UK is used outside. This figure can rise to over 50% in the summer months. By using a water butt the rainwater will already have been collected and ready to use in those warmer months.

Save valuable tap water

It really doesn’t make sense to be using high quality drinking water on your garden, when you can use harvested rainwater instead.

The process of purification is long and costly and it is wasteful when there is plenty of suitable water provided by nature.

Reducing your carbon footprint

You’ll be pleased to know that by using a water butt you will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

By using less, you will decrease the energy costs associated with treating and pumping the water to your humble abode. Half a tonne of water is delivered to your door on a daily basis and by reducing this you will be a step closer to living a greener, carbon neutral lifestyle.

You recycle your glass bottles and tin cans so why not the rain?

Less work

Set up a gravity fed irrigation system that will feed your thirsty flowers. This will save you much of the time you currently use to water your garden manually.

A water butt border kit or a simple micro irrigation kit can also provide a useful way to automatically water your flower beds and plant pots.

Reduce flooding

When it rains heavily, drains can quickly overflow which disrupts towns and can even cause flooding to shops, houses and gardens. By using a water butt you are helping to avert these flooding risks by keeping the water out of the storm management system.

Saving money with your water butt

By using the water you have collected in a water butt there are a number of ways that you can use it to save money. Some of them may surprise you.

Here is a selection of uses for that precious collected water:

• Washing the car

• Washing windows and doors

• To fill bird baths

• Flush toilets

• Use in washing machines

• Use in dishwashers

You may need other equipment such as a pump, and a certain amount of know how for some of the above.

Be creative with your rainwater use and keep those precious pounds in your pocket.

By using a water butt and putting these measures into action you’ll start saving money and the environment instantly.