WATER BUTT OFFER FROM COUNCIL DURING DROUGHT

The Environment Agency has declared that most of the South East and Eastern England is in an official state of drought after 15 months of below average rainfall. Around 25% of a household's energy bill is from heating the water that is used during showering, washing clothes and dishwashing, so by using water more efficiently and cutting out waste and unnecessary use, you can conserve water, save energy and money on your bills.

The following top 5 tips can help you reduce the amount of water you use around the home:

• Turning the tap off while brushing teeth as this can waste 10 litres of water a minute
• Fixing dripping taps can stop the waste of 4 litres of water a day.

• Only using a washing machine or dishwasher when fully loaded
• Installing a water displacement device or 'hippo' in your toilet cistern

• Taking a shower instead of a bath (remember a power shower can use twice as much water as a bath).

Installing a water butt in the garden - can collect 5,000 litres of rainwater a year. According to Waterwise, if every household in the UK bought a standard water butt this would save 30,000 million litres of water each summer!

To help residents save water and money, Bedford Borough Council has announced that discounted Water Butt Kits are on offer for the special price of £30. The kit is ideal for collecting water from your home, garage, greenhouse or shed and includes a stand which enables you to fit a watering can under the tap, a child safe lid, and handles for easy lifting. Easy-to-follow fitting instructions are supplied with each kit. To order visit: www.bedford.getcomposting.com or call 0845 130 6090 quoting reference BBC05PR.

Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: "According to the Environment Agency the last six months have been the driest since records began in 1921. We all have a collective responsibility to take steps that would eliminate our water wastage and installing a Water Butt Kit is an excellent way to conserve water. The 190 litre Water Butt Kit collects the rain from the roof of your house, shed or garage and can be used to water the garden, saving you money on your bills and cutting down water usage."

To find out more ways to use less water and reduce your energy and water bills, visit the Council's Water Efficiency web page at: www.bedford.gov.uk/sustainability.