London's Water Situation
London is not yet in an official drought, but Thames Water has activated Level 1 of its Drought Plan due to a prolonged dry spell and exceptionally high water demand. The ongoing heatwave has put pressure on water supplies, making it crucial for residents to reduce consumption.
Shower and Bathroom Tips
Put the plug in when showering and reuse the water to flush the toilet. This can save a cistern's worth of water per flush. Greywater from baths, showers, and washing up can be safely reused on plants, provided no harsh chemicals are present (soap and shampoo are fine). Turn off the shower while lathering up, and only run it to rinse off.
Kitchen and Household Hacks
Don't discard old glasses of water; keep them for rinsing items or watering plants. When waiting for tap water to reach the right temperature, capture the waste in a bowl for garden use or a water butt. Keep bottles of tap water in the fridge to avoid running the tap for cold water. Ensure dishwashers and washing machines are fully loaded to reduce washes and save energy.
Rainwater Harvesting
Install a water butt to capture rainwater for garden use. A rainwater diverter kit costs around £10 and connects to your gutter. Flat dwellers can use buckets or bowls on balconies. Some water companies offer free or discounted water-saving devices; check savewatersavemoney.co.uk with your postcode.
Additional Tips
Fit a tap aerator to reduce water flow. Use water-saving gel in plant pots. Place another pot under hanging baskets to catch excess water. Put the plug in when washing your face and use a trickle to wet your toothbrush. Report leaks to your water company promptly—Thames Water and Affinity Water have online forms.
Drought Status
As of July 20, London is in a spell of Prolonged Dry Weather, the stage before a drought. Thames Water's Level 1 plan includes a temporary hosepipe ban and awareness campaigns. Rain is forecast for next week but may not be enough to lift restrictions immediately.
