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The vast majority of UK adults (94%) underestimate their daily water usage, new figures from the industry’s trade body have revealed.
A survey of more than 2,200 adults conducted by Savanta on behalf of Water UK found major discrepancies between people’s perceptions of water usage and reality.
In total, 67% thought their household uses less than 69 litres of water per day – the equivalent of a 5-minute shower.
More than a fifth (21%) believe their household uses less than 20 litres per day when the average daily usage per person is in fact 152 litres.
Additionally the trade body found the perception of how much water is wasted through leaks in the home was also distorted.
A total of 61% thought that a faulty toilet flush wastes less than 50 litres, when in reality it wastes between 215 and 400 litres per day which, if not resolved, can cost households hundreds of pounds per year.
Peter Jenkins, director of campaigns at Water UK, said: “With last summer’s heatwave now a distant memory, it’s more important than ever to show the public the value of saving water this winter for the sunnier days ahead – if we don’t act now to reduce our water usage, we could be paying for it later in the year.
“Everyone has a part to play in reducing our water consumption, and our survey results show that people have no idea just how much water they are actually using. That’s why we’re running our Water’s Worth Saving campaign this winter, providing the public with advice and simple tips to help save water and safeguard the environment all year round.”
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